27 Aug Two more CCSD schools recognized as Nationally Certified Magnet Schools

The Clark County School District (CCSD) continues to be recognized for having some of the best Magnet Schools in the country as they excel and are honored for their efforts by the national Magnet Schools of America (MSA) organization.

“Earlier this year, our schools received 26 awards from Magnet Schools of America, and now in addition to those honors, I am pleased to announce that two more of our schools have been named Nationally Certified Magnet Schools,” said CCSD Superintendent Jesus F. Jara. “Our Magnet Schools continue to excel and provide the best choice for students in Clark County. This is what making CCSD number one for kids means, providing options for our students so they can achieve their goals and their desired outcomes.”

The two new nationally certified schools are K.O. Knudson Academy of Creative Arts and Technology and Jim Bridger STEAM Academy. Those schools join seven other CCSD schools in achieving nationally certified status from the MSA.

“This is a huge honor for the schools that serve as a national model for what a successful Magnet School should look like,” said CCSD Magnet Schools and Career and Technical Academies Director Gia Moore. “We are very proud of the success of our programs and we are continuing to serve as a model for other schools and districts around the nation. This has been made possible by the support of our Board of School Trustees, administration, and the staff and students at each of the schools.”

CCSD added four new schools to its lineup of Magnet Schools for the 2018-19 school year. It now has 40 schools with Magnet programs. The MSA nationally certified program began last year and of the 76 schools nationwide who have achieved this status, nine of those are CCSD schools.

“The certification process recognizes the highest quality schools in public education. Nationally certified Magnet Schools illustrate and emulate rigorous theme-based curriculum, ensure diverse settings in which students thrive and are prepared for college and career,” said Kelly Bucherie, Director for Magnet School Leadership, Magnet Schools of America.

The national certification process is based on the Standards of Excellence and the five pillars of Magnet Schools: diversity, innovative curriculum and professional development, academic excellence, high-quality instructional systems, and family and community partnerships. Together, these qualities define the common elements of exemplary magnet programs.

To become nationally certified, each school submitted a detailed application and participated in a rigorous evaluation conducted by the National Institute for Magnet School Leadership.

The application process required the school to submit evidence demonstrating how it meets each of the multiple indicators within the Standards of Excellence. This included providing specific examples of how the school is promoting school diversity, closing the achievement gap, integrating a theme-based curriculum throughout the school day, and encouraging parent and community involvement.

To learn more about the Magnet and Career and Technical Education programs in the Clark County School District, visit magnet.ccsd.net.