MSA CEO

03/23/2026

I ❤️ my job: I get to visit great , meet inspiring educators, and spend time with truly impressive students. And I always learn so much on my visits! Like on my visit to Clayton County Public Schools Magnet Programs (CCPS), where I learned that I’m definitely NOT a future pilot after I nosedived on the flight simulator. 😬

But I also learned about Delta Air Lines ’s Propel Career Path Program, a partnership with CCPS and Middle Georgia State University that provides a aviation program for students interested in pilot careers. Read more: https://news.delta.com/dual-enrollment-aviation-program-clayton-county-students-takes-flight-help-deltas-propel-program

CONGRATS to Clayton County on winning Round 3 of Magnet Schools of America’s competition!

02/27/2026

Are you going to next month? Are you interested in ? Then come on down to my session on March 9! We’ll be discussing and “public school choice with purpose” – the idea that “choice” is most effective when it creates options that are responsive to what students and families want, geared toward ever-evolving workforce demands, and true to our country’s shared commitment to the foundational importance of public education. Stop by and share your thoughts! https://schedule.sxswedu.com/2026/events/PP1161445

02/11/2026

February is National Magnet Schools Month! 🧲🏫

This month, Magnet Schools of America is proudly celebrating the power and promise of magnet schools across the nation — innovative learning environments that inspire students from every background to explore, excel, and lead. With thousands of magnet schools educating millions of students, magnet education continues to champion innovation, opportunity, and academic excellence for all.

Throughout February, we’re highlighting:

🏆 Student accomplishments and stories
🗣️ Community engagement and outreach
🎉 Appreciation for the educators and leaders who make it all possible

Share your magnet school pride by using and tagging us — let’s amplify the impact of theme-based learning together!

Download the 2026 Magnet Schools Month Toolkit (logos, graphics & sample posts): https://magnet.edu/about/national-magnet-schools-month

Here’s to celebrating magnet education — thank you to all students, families, teachers, and administrators who make magnet schools a vibrant part of our education landscape! 💛

Magnet Schools of America is proud to announce that the month of February is the annual celebration of National Magnet Schools Month. Please help us raise awareness throughout February. There are many ways for you to participate and get involved!

01/14/2026

ICYMI: We're hiring! Magnet Schools of America is looking for a Director of Programs! Learn more and apply here:

Magnet Schools of America (MSA), the national nonprofit association for magnet and specialized theme-based schools, is seeking a Director of Programs to lead our professional learning, leadership development, and technical assistance initiatives. The ideal candidate is a strategic leader who underst...

11/05/2025

Yesterday I had the honor of visiting Baton Rouge Magnet High School and presenting Magnet Schools of America's 2025 Magnet Champion of the Year award to Congresswoman Julia Letlow. Thank you, Congresswoman Letlow, for your unwavering support of in Louisiana and nationwide, and thank you to Principal Nanette McCann, Associate Principal Shaun Feinberg, and the whole EBR Schools team for hosting!

10/14/2025

Join us on October 30 at 9:30 a.m. ET for a dynamic discussion on Reclaiming the School Choice Narrative: Centering Diversity, Excellence, and Enrollment Growth at the MSA Fall Policy Training Conference (October 29-31) in Washington, DC!

This session reframes the school choice debate by showcasing how magnet schools advance access, diversity, and excellence while addressing enrollment challenges. Get ready for insights from:
🎤Moderator: Dr. Linh Dang, Senior Policy Specialist, Education Policy & Implementation, NEA Today
🎤Ary Amerikaner, Co-Founder and Executive Director, Brown's Promise
🎤Peter Anderson, Head of Schools & Chief Executive Officer, Washington Latin Public Charter School
🎤Gina Chirichigno, Director, National Coalition on School Diversity
🎤Ramin Taheri, CEO, Magnet Schools of America
🎤Jon Wren, Director of Magnet Schools Assistance Program, Metro Nashville Public Schools

Check out the full agenda and register now: https://ow.ly/hj4Y50X9Nlk

09/11/2025

Thank you to The Academies at South Mountain and Phoenix Union High School District for hosting me this week! It's always great to see cutting-edge, career-focused programs firsthand -- and the Science, Technology, and Aerospace Academy is just that. I had an "amazing" visit to Phoenix, and the Mountain Mentality is real! Magnet Schools of America

08/22/2025

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

08/12/2025

Community voting for SXSW EDU 2026 is open until August 24, and we need your support! Vote today for MSA’s proposal: Public School Choice with Purpose: The Magnet School Model, a timely policy and advocacy meet-up featuring our CEO Ramin Taheri.

As national debates over school choice intensify, offer an evidence-based model for advancing access and innovation within the public system. Let’s fix the current school choice conversation and recenter the magic of magnet schools!

Vote now: https://ow.ly/H7va50WEGJL

08/11/2025

🎤 Excited to share that Magnet Schools of America is in the running to speak at 2026! Our session—The Magnet School Model: Public School Choice with Purpose—dives into how magnet schools offer real access and bold innovation within the school choice ecosystem. Help bring this conversation to the SXSW EDU stage – cast your vote in : https://tinyurl.com/SXSWEDU-MSA

06/04/2025

Thank you Joe Courtney for being a true champion for and the students they serve. For decades, magnet schools have enjoyed broad bipartisan support because they work—and they work because of their long history of bipartisan support. Magnet Schools of America stands with you and urges Congress to fully fund the Magnet Schools Assistance Program for FY26. Read our statement here: https://magnet.edu/statement-from-msa-on-the-presidents-fy26-budget-request

Talk is cheap. Budgets matter.

Magnet schools are top performing public schools. Groton’s Marine Science Magnet High School was ranked top 3 schools in Connecticut.