Magnet Schools of America

10/16/2026

🌟 Member Spotlight: Springfield Public Schools, Springfield, MO

What if students could explore their interests in real-world settings while discovering what comes next?

Springfield Public Schools in Missouri is making that possible through unique magnet programs that connect learning to conservation, agriculture, health sciences, the arts, and college coursework. Through partnerships with local organizations and institutions, students gain hands-on experiences that bring their learning to life.

See how Springfield is expanding opportunities for students through choice and innovation. https://heyor.ca/GIxDFv

10/15/2026

Students thrive when they know they are valued, supported, and safe to be themselves.

Creating that kind of environment takes intention—from the relationships educators build to the expectations schools set for how people treat one another.

This National Bullying Prevention Month, let’s keep building school communities where every student feels they belong and has the opportunity to thrive.

10/14/2026

📚 ¡Hola! Learning happens in two languages at three Nashville magnet schools!

Glenview, Paragon Mills and Stratton elementary schools are helping students build English and Spanish skills through dual language immersion programs, with instruction in both languages woven into the school day.

Made possible through a federal Magnet Schools Assistance Program grant, these programs help students build bilingual skills, connect across cultures and prepare for an increasingly multilingual world. 🌎

Read more from Metro Nashville Public Schools : https://heyor.ca/zAbZ9v

10/13/2026

👏 October is National Principals Month, and we’re celebrating the school leaders who make a difference every day!

Congratulations to Dr. Roxann Sykes of Dillard Drive Magnet Elementary School, named Wake County Public School System’s 2026–27 Principal of the Year! 🎉

Thank you, Dr. Sykes, for your leadership and commitment to students, educators and your school community.

Read more from WRAL: https://heyor.ca/K7ByW3

Roxann Sykes of Dillard Drive Magnet Elementary School was named Principal of the Year, while Xavier Wallace-McGrew of South Garner High School was named Assistant Principal of the Year.

10/12/2026

A theme is not a strategy.

A STEM, arts, health sciences, or international studies theme can give a magnet school its identity. But what happens after students walk through the doors?

In the latest On Leadership column, MSA Superintendent-in-Residence Dr. Baron R. Davis explores what it really means to design a magnet school around its purpose—and why the student experience should be more than a collection of courses, programs, and a theme.

Read “A Theme Is Not a Strategy.”
https://heyor.ca/OSJeE1

10/09/2026

🌟 Member Spotlight: South Career and Technical Academy

What does it look like when learning connects directly to what comes next?

At South Career and Technical Academy in Clark County School District, students are building skills through project-based learning, career exploration, authentic problem-solving, and strong community connections.

With pathways spanning robotics, biomedical science, cyber defense, engineering, business, education, and more, South CTA is creating opportunities for students to explore their interests—and see where those interests can take them.

Read the Member Spotlight: https://heyor.ca/1pmxqm

10/08/2026

👩‍🏫 What if the next generation of teachers could grow right in their own communities?

North Carolina districts are creating new pathways into the teaching profession through registered teacher apprenticeships, allowing aspiring educators to earn while they learn alongside experienced mentors.

Eight districts—including Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools—are part of the first cohort.

It’s an innovative approach to building a stronger teacher pipeline and ensuring more students have highly prepared educators in their classrooms.

Read more from EdNC: https://heyor.ca/lsP8DX

Pathway to Practice puts candidates a step ahead of emergency-licensed peers with less support through its apprenticeship model.

10/08/2026

Choice is important. But is it the goal?

In the latest On Leadership column, MSA Superintendent-in-Residence Dr. Baron R. Davis asks a bigger question: What are students actually given the opportunity to experience once they get there?

Explore why the conversation around school choice should be about more than where students go—and focus on the opportunities waiting for them when they arrive.

Read “Choice Is Not the Goal. Opportunity Is.” https://heyor.ca/gBKhGF

10/07/2026

💬 Have questions about your Merit Awards application? We can help!

Merit Awards Office Hours are back for the 2026–2027 application cycle. Whether you're applying for the first time or polishing a returning application, join MSA staff and Merit Awards Committee members to get your questions answered and make sure you're on the right track.

📅 Weekly sessions run through November 6
⏰ Sessions begin at 4 p.m. ET

There’s one registration link for the entire series, so select the dates that work for you and join us when you need the support.

Register for Office Hours and learn more about the Merit Awards: https://heyor.ca/h5cEgv

10/06/2026

📣 MSA 2027 Call for Presentations is OPEN!

MSA 2027 is headed to Orlando, April 26–30, and we’re looking for innovative ideas, promising practices, and stories that showcase the spirit of magnet and theme-based schools.

Your story doesn’t need to be finished. Whether you’re a school team at any stage, an education expert, or someone with a promising practice to share, we want to hear from you.

Submit your proposal by November 6, 2026.

https://heyor.ca/Y6bcO9