CONTACT:
Shannon Haber, [email protected]
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 2, 2022
16 Los Angeles Unified Magnet Programs Honored with National Merit Awards
Los Angeles, CA (February 2, 2022) – Magnet Schools of America (MSA) has awarded 16 Los Angeles Unified magnet schools and centers for their innovation and exceptional academic performance. MSA represents more than 4,000 magnet schools and programs across the United States and annually recognizes the magnet schools demonstrating an exemplary commitment to academic standards, curriculum innovation, desegregation/diversity efforts, specialized teaching staffs and parent and community involvement. There are currently 320 Los Angeles Unified magnet schools and centers that enroll more than 87,000 students.
MSA recognized seven magnets as Schools of Excellence, the MSA’s highest honor, and nine others received honors as Magnet Schools of Distinction. They will receive their awards in April at MSA’s national conference in Clark County, Nevada on April 18-22, 2022.
“What an incredible honor for our amazing schools and phenomenal educators for their outstanding work to provide the best possible education for students,” Interim Superintendent Megan K. Reilly said.
The Schools of Excellence are as follows:
|
SCHOOL |
THEME |
|---|---|
|
Downtown Magnets High School |
Business; Computer Science Digital Media Arts Engineering |
|
Alexander Fleming Middle School STM Magnet |
Science, Technology, and Math |
|
John F. Kennedy HS Architecture/Digital Design/Filmmaking Magnet |
Architecture, Digital Design, Filmmaking |
|
Los Feliz Science Technology Engineering Math Medicine Magnet |
Science, Technology, Engineering, Math, Medicine (STEMM) |
|
North Hollywood High School Zoo Magnet Center |
Zoology and Biological Sciences |
|
Northridge Medical and Health Careers Magnet |
Medical and Health Careers |
|
Reseda Science Magnet |
Science: Biomedical Science, Engineering, and Computer Science |
The Schools of Distinction are as follows:
|
SCHOOL |
THEME |
|---|---|
|
Luther Burbank Middle School |
Arts Technology Community Magnet & Police Academy Magnet |
|
Cleveland Humanities Magnet |
Humanities |
|
John F. Kennedy High School Gifted/Highly Gifted/High Achieving Medical Magnet |
Medical, Gifted |
|
Lawrence Middle School |
Gifted Magnet |
|
Orthopaedic Hospital Medical Magnet High School |
Medical |
|
Reseda Charter High School Police Academy Magnet |
Public Safety, Public Service |
|
Sherman Oaks Center for Enriched Studies |
Center for Enriched Studies |
|
Van Nuys High School Medical, Performing Arts, and Science/Technology/Math Magnets |
Medical, Performing Arts, and Science/Technology/Math Magnets |
|
Verdugo Hills High School STEMM Magnet |
Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Multimedia (STEMM) |
“Congratulations to our great magnet programs on this distinction, especially Verdugo Hills High School STEMM Magnet in Board District 6,” Board President Kelly Gonez said. “Throughout Los Angeles Unified, our magnet programs provide innovative pathways for students to pursue their passions for success now and after graduation."
“Congratulations to all of our award-winning magnet programs for this well-deserved national recognition,” Board Vice President Nick Melvoin said. “These schools demonstrate what is possible in LA Unified—and as we celebrate the hard work and achievements of these exceptional programs, we must also work to replicate their success so that every student across the District has access to a high-quality education.”
“Los Angeles Unified is proud of being recognized for the breadth and depth of our specialized academic programs by the Magnet Schools of America,” Board Member Dr. George J. McKenna III said. “We look to continue to introduce thematic learning that provides high quality instruction and creativity for our students.”
“Congratulations to every school community being recognized today,” Board Member Mónica García said. “There is much to be proud of as we celebrate great efforts to unleash student potential in our neighborhoods. Downtown Magnets High School has been a recognized achiever, Luther Burbank Middle School is a transformational turnaround, and Orthopaedic Hospital Medical Magnet High School is a rising star in its young life. These students, employees and families have much to be proud of!”
“I am so incredibly proud of all the magnet schools that are being honored, especially the seven in Board District 3,” Board Member Scott M. Schmerelson said. “This recognition proves that our outstanding teachers and administrators have created unique and innovative programs at our neighborhood schools that will bring students and families from throughout the District to take advantage of the exceptional instructional experiences that our public schools are providing.”
“Many don’t know that our Los Angeles Unified Magnet program is one of the most successful in the nation,” Board Member Jackie Goldberg said. “We've seen this rigorous, high-quality, theme-based instruction elevate and transform student learning and achievement. Congratulations to these 16 schools that keep our standards so high.”
“Congratulations to all of our magnet schools and centers for receiving such a distinguished honor, especially to my alma mater Alexander Fleming Middle School in Board District 7,” Board Member Tanya Ortiz Franklin said. “Our programs are not only designed to achieve academic success through innovative curricula and instruction, but they are also pivotal in creating equitable access to a high-quality education by promoting racial and socioeconomic diversity and fostering strong family and community partnerships to best serve our scholars.”
“Student Integration Services removes barriers to high-quality academic programs,” Student Integration Services Executive Director Dr. Keith Abrahams, who oversees the magnet program, said. “Thematic learning, coupled with real-world experience in diverse learning environments, create powerful learning experiences that develop the changemakers and agents of tomorrow.”