Magnet Schools of America

08/27/2026

📣 New stories. New ideas. New conversations.

A new school year brings a familiar question: How do we create schools where students don't just attend, but feel connected, engaged, and excited about what's ahead?

Dr. Baron R. Davis, Magnet Schools of America's Superintendent-in-Residence, explores that question from two complementary perspectives in the latest issue of Distinct by Design and a new episode of The Magnet Voice.

Together, the article and podcast episode invite us to consider a bigger question for the year ahead:
Don't just ask how we can get students ready for the future. Ask how we can design schools that make them want to be part of it.

📖 Read the latest issue of Distinct by Design: https://magnet.edu/distinct-by-design -reader
🎙️ Listen to the latest episode of The Magnet Voice: https://magnet.edu/magnet-voice

08/27/2026

Congratulations, Jen! 🎉 We’re proud to celebrate the incredible educators in our magnet school community who inspire students to learn, grow, and thrive every day. Well deserved! Marine Science Magnet High School

08/25/2026

🎉 A new school year brings new leadership to Northside ISD!

Jessica Palomares, a Northside graduate, former teacher and administrator, is beginning the school year as the district’s Interim Superintendent.

As she leads one of San Antonio’s largest school districts, Northside continues to offer students a wide range of educational opportunities—including 12 magnet schools with programs spanning cybersecurity, STEM, construction, health careers and more.

We’re excited to see what the new school year brings for Northside ISD and its students!

Read more: https://heyor.ca/3vTY5T

Northside ISD opens 130+ campuses as interim superintendent Jessica Palomares tackles enrollment dips with a 200+ student Virtual Academy, 12 magnet schools and open enrollment.

08/25/2026

Magnet Schools of America (MSA) is pleased to announce we have named 40 Nationally Certified Schools and 37 Nationally Certified Demonstration Schools, bringing the total number of nationally certified schools across the country to 337. As shining examples of magnet school excellence, these schools offer exceptional learning opportunities and join a distinguished, growing group of nationally recognized magnet programs. Read more: https://heyor.ca/Y4Z90m

08/24/2026

📚 A little leadership reading for your day!

Have you read the latest On Leadership column from MSA Superintendent-in-Residence Dr. Baron R. Davis?

Take a few minutes to explore why public education was never meant to stand still.

https://heyor.ca/RB4fzt

08/23/2026

⏰ Last chance to vote!

PanelPicker voting closes soon, and there's still time to support MSA's proposed SXSW EDU session: 📚 Reclaiming the School Choice Narrative: What Americans Want

Voting ends TODAY: https://heyor.ca/DZ1LBd

Thank you to everyone who has already cast a vote!

PanelPicker® is the official SXSW user-generated session proposal platform. Enter ideas and vote to help shape Conference programming for SXSW and SXSW EDU.

08/21/2026

🦎🐢 What if your school had its very own zoo?

At Mabel Hoggard Math & Science Magnet School in Las Vegas, students don’t just learn about animals—they care for and interact with them through the school’s unique magnet program, which operates the only zoo in the Clark County School District.

From reptiles and birds to other animal residents, students have the opportunity to experience hands-on learning in a way that brings science and the natural world to life.

Now that’s learning by doing! 🌿🔬

Read more: https://heyor.ca/Hq1pG1

08/20/2026

⏳ Voting is ending soon!

There’s still time to support Magnet Schools of America’s proposed SXSW EDU session:

Reclaiming the School Choice Narrative: What Americans Want

The session will explore what Americans really think about school choice, the role magnet schools can play in the conversation, and how research can help education leaders communicate the value of high-quality public school options.

Community voting closes Sunday, August 23. If you’d like to see this conversation on the SXSW EDU stage, cast your vote today!

https://heyor.ca/DZ1LBd

08/19/2026

A student's future career interests can begin taking shape earlier than many people realize.

In this Magnet Voice clip, we discuss why exposing students to science and STEM experiences at an early age matters. When students discover what's possible before middle school, they're more likely to see themselves pursuing those opportunities in the future.

Every hands-on experience can help spark a lifelong passion.

Watch the clip, then hear the full conversation about outdoor education and student engagement.

🎧 Listen here: https://magnet.edu/magnet-voice

08/18/2026

Today's magnet leaders face complex challenges—but they don't have to face them alone.

MSA's On-Demand Professional Learning Catalog features 9 sessions designed around the issues shaping magnet education today, including:

• Recruitment and enrollment
• Magnet theme integration
• Leading through change
• Strategic planning
• Assessment and grading
• Federal policy and funding
• Magnet Certification preparation

Choose the sessions that fit your goals, or unlock the entire collection for continued learning through the end of the year.

Start learning today: https://heyor.ca/oShcg0

PROFESSIONAL LEARNING COLLECTION Stronger Magnet Schools Practical Strategies for Today's Challenges A collection of on-demand professional learning sessions mag