CCSD Magnet program earns national recognition

LAS VEGAS – The Magnet Schools of America (MSA) honored the Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) Academy at James Cashman Middle School with the Secondary Magnet School Merit Award of Excellence.

“Being recognized as the top secondary magnet school in America is reflective of the wonderful educators at Cashman Middle School,” Cashman Middle School Principal Sindy Biernacki said. “I want to thank every student, teacher, support professional, and administrator who has contributed to the success of the STEAM Academy over the years.”

The STEAM Academy at Cashman Middle School enriches CCSD’s science curriculum with the Project Lead The Way program to build students’ creative thinking and problem-solving skills. This science, technology, and arts-based program allows students to develop strong backgrounds in mathematics, science, and engineering while showing students how creative thinking is necessary to solve the engineering problems posed to them. Through a shared vision, the entire staff has united to provide rigorous instruction and support for all students.

This marks the second consecutive year that Clark County School District (CCSD) schools received top honors from MSA. In 2022, Southeast Career and Technical Academy (SECTA) won the Dr. Ronald P. Simpson Magnet School of Merit Award of Excellence, MSA’s most prestigious award for magnet schools.

“Our Magnet programs offer the families of Clark County the best choices in our state and country when it comes to education,” CCSD Superintendent Dr. Jesus F. Jara said. “I congratulate all of the educators who strive every day to challenge our students to meet their potential in and out of the classroom.”

In making its annual announcement of outstanding Magnet schools, MSA selected 29 CCSD programs as Merit recipients for 2022-23.

The following CCSD programs earned the 2022-23 MSA Top Magnet School of Excellence Award, placing them among the top 20 schools in the nation:

Del Sol Academy of the Performing Arts
Desert Pines High School/Desert Pines Magnet Academy
James Cashman Middle SchoolRoger D. Gehring Elementary School Academy of Science and Technology

To learn more about Magnet Schools of America, visit magnet.edu. For more information about CCSD Magnet Schools, visit magnet.ccsd.net.