August 17, 2020 — Magnet Schools of America (MSA) has named five new nationally certified schools and six new certified demonstration schools, bringing the total number of national certified schools across the country to 167. As leading examples of magnet school excellence, these schools provide outstanding learning opportunities for their students, and join a growing cohort of recognized magnet programs across the country.
Magnet Schools of America’s National Institute for Magnet School Leadership (NIMSL) developed the certification program in 2016 as a roadmap for magnet schools to reach their fullest potential. Schools are assessed on the Magnet School Standards of Excellence and the five pillars of magnet schools. Certification applicants submit detailed examples of their work to promote diversity, remove barriers to student success and implement an innovative curriculum, as well as encourage parent and community partnerships in their schools. Becoming a certified magnet school is an extensive, rigorous process that helps schools strengthen their top qualities and gain national recognition for their success.
This cohort’s newly certified schools are located across seven states: Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, New Mexico, New York, South Carolina and Texas.
Six of the certified schools were also identified as National Demonstration Schools. These schools not only meet the Standards of Excellence, but exceed the criteria and serve as learning models for magnets across the country to replicate. Among the 167 certified schools to date, 42 have been designated as National Demonstration Schools.
“We are proud to celebrate our new nationally certified schools,” said Kelly Bucherie, Director for Magnet School Leadership at Magnet Schools of America. “During an uncertain and difficult year, these schools showed what’s possible when faculty, parents, students and communities come together to do what it takes to deliver a high-quality education for all students. They worked tirelessly to meet the Standards of Excellence, while promoting diversity and innovative curriculums in the classroom, and fostering high-quality learning environments for their students. We’re thrilled to see their hard work and commitment to excellence pay off.”
MSA is still accepting applications for certification through September 30, 2020. For more information about Magnet Schools of America’s Certification Program, visit: https://magnet.edu/certification/national-certification.
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Media Contact: Kelly Bucherie, National Director for Magnet School Leadership kelly.bucherie@magnet.edu, (702) 326-5136
Magnet Schools of America (MSA) is a nonprofit education association that represents more than 4,340 magnet schools serving nearly 3.5 million students across 46 states and the District of Columbia. MSA was founded in 1986 and authorized as a 501(c)3 in 1994. It supports and serves the leaders and teachers of magnet and theme-based schools, while promoting the development of new magnet programs. It also provides technical assistance through the National Institute for Magnet School Leadership (NIMSL).
2020 Nationally Certified Demonstration Schools
| School/Program Name | State | Region | District | Principal |
| MS 358: The Magnet School for S.T.E.A.M. Exploration and Experiential Learning | NY | 1 | New York Department of Education | Brendan T. Mims |
| Vernon Malone College and Career Academy | NC | 4 | Wake County Public Schools | Abby Stotsenberg |
| Reedy Creek Magnet Middle School Center for the Digital Sciences | NC | 4 | Wake County Public Schools | H. Trent Evans |
| Miami Lakes Educational Center | FL | 3 | Miami-Dade County Public Schools | Yaset Fernandez |
| W.J. Bryan Elementary Museums Magnet School | FL | 3 | Miami-Dade County Public Schools | Milagros Maytin-Miret |
| Forest Lake Elementary NASA Explorer School | SC | 4 | Richland School District Two | Kappy Steck |
2020 Nationally Certified Magnet Schools
| School/Program Name | State | Region | District | Principal |
| Morrow High School Magnet Program | GA | 3 | Clayton County Public Schools | Pamela Pitts |
| Ball High School – BioMedical and STEM Communities | TX | 5 | Galveston Independent School District | Joseph Pillar |
| San Antonito STEM Magnet Elementary | NM | 5 | Albuquerque Public Schools | Patricia Gallegos |
| Zebulon Magnet Middle School | NC | 4 | Wake County Public Schools | Candis Jones |
| Fuller Gifted and Talented/AIG Basics Magnet Elementary School | NC | 4 | Wake County Public Schools | Kendra Culberson |
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Raise the level of performance consistent throughout school districts nationwide and creates a platform from which all magnet schools can flourish. Magnet Schools of America’s national certification process is designed to recognize the hard work of the best magnet schools in the nation and to help them as they grow.
