35 CCSD Magnet programs receive national recognition for excellence

35 CCSD Magnet programs receive national recognition for excellence

The Clark County School District (CCSD) once again earned national recognition for its Magnet programs, with 35 programs taking honors from Magnet Schools of America (MSA) for the 2023-24 school year. This tops the District’s 29 programs MSA recognized for the 2022-23 school year.

The national association for Magnet and theme-based schools selected 35 CCSD programs at 34 schools as merit recipients. Nine CCSD Magnet programs received Top School of Excellence recognition, seven programs were awarded the Magnet School of Excellence designation and 18 schools were awarded the Magnet School of Distinction award designation.

“CCSD’s Magnet School offerings receive top honors again this school year, continuing to show we offer the most robust choice options for Nevada students,” CCSD Superintendent Dr. Jesus F. Jara said. “The recognition from MSA fuels us to continue expanding Magnet programs throughout the District and providing CCSD students with additional choices as they pursue their dreams.”

The following CCSD programs earned the 2023–24 MSA Top Magnet School of Excellence Award: 

  • Advanced Technologies Academy
  • Hyde Park Academy of Science and Mathematics
  • Las Vegas Academy of the Arts
  • Mabel Hoggard Math and Science Magnet Elementary School
  • Mike O’Callaghan i3 Learn Academy
  • Roger D. Gehring Academy of Science and Technology
  • Sandy Searles Miller Academy for International Studies
  • Thurman White Academy of the Performing Arts
  • Walter Bracken STEAM Academy

The following CCSD programs earned the 2023–24 MSA Magnet School of Excellence Award:

  • East Career and Technical Academy
  • Eldorado High School Magnet – Technology and Military Science
  • Gilbert Academy of Creative Arts
  • Jo Mackey iLead Academy for the Digital Sciences
  • Roy W. Martin Middle School – International Baccalaureate
  • Sheila Tarr Academy of International Studies
  • West Career and Technical Academy

The following CCSD programs earned the 2023–24 MSA Magnet School of Distinction Award, which is given to Magnet Schools that have met all the basic requirements outlined in MSA’s merit awards scoring rubric:

  • Basic Academy of International Studies
  • Brown Academy of International Studies
  • Clarence A. Piggott Academy of International Studies
  • Del Sol Academy of the Performing Arts
  • Gordon McCaw STEAM Academy
  • Helen Anderson Toland International Academy
  • James Cashman Middle School, Academy of Mathematics, Science and Engineering
  • K.O. Knudson Academy of the Arts
  • Lied STEM Academy
  • Northwest Career and Technical Academy
  • Rancho High School – Academy of Aviation Technology
  • Rancho High School – Academy of Pre-Medicine
  • Southeast Career and Technical Academy
  • Southwest Career and Technical Academy
  • Spring Valley High School – International Baccalaureate
  • The STEM and Medical Academy at Jim Bridger Middle School
  • Valley High School – International Baccalaureate
  • Veterans Tribute Career and Technical Academy
  • Walter Johnson Junior High School Academy of International Studies

“We are so pleased to have once again our Magnet Schools receive national recognition by Magnet Schools of America,” CCSD Magnet Schools Director Sheryl Colgan said. “Our Magnet programs allow equal access to unique learning opportunities for our community and provide an avenue for students to expand their career opportunities with authentic application of their learned skills.” 

Principals at all 34 schools will be recognized and receive their awards during an awards ceremony held at MSA’s National Conference in April.

The top honors come just as MSA prepares to celebrate National Magnet Schools Month in February. The District is also preparing to add new Magnet programs at Carroll M. Johnston Middle School and Lyal Burkholder Middle School for the 2024-25 school year.

For more information about CCSD Magnet Schools, visit magnet.ccsd.net.