Washington, DC – Magnet Schools of America (MSA) has named 31 Nationally Certified Schools and 33 Nationally Certified-Demonstration Schools, bringing the total number of nationally certified schools across the country to 245. Galveston ISD was the first in Texas to earn both Nationally Certified and Nationally Certified-Demonstration recognition. Two of our GISD campuses have once again met the criteria to be recertified through August 2027. 

Congratulations to L.A. Morgan Elementary Magnet School of Health, Medical Science & Engineering, Nationally Certified Magnet School, and Oppe Elementary Magnet Campus of Coastal Studies, Nationally Certified-Demonstration School.

Morgan was established as a magnet school in 1978 and with the support of a Magnet Schools Assistance Program (MSAP) grant in 2010, it has continued to build its innovative STEM program, with a medical and mindfulness focus. “Being a magnet campus has allowed us to elevate our students’ educational experience. It has allowed us to participate in top notch teacher training, build strong community partnerships, and provide academic, social, and emotional experiences for our students that will open doors to their future educational success and careers,” said Sara Giambelluca, Principal at Morgan Elementary Magnet School of Health, Medical Science & Engineering. 

Oppe became a STEM magnet school in 2010 under the same MSAP grant. Its Coastal Studies theme has continued to evolve, offering unique learning experiences that connect students to our Gulf Coast. “I could not be more proud of the work my teachers and staff are doing to keep our Coastal Studies magnet theme alive and thriving. For the past 14 years, Oppe has given our students the foundation to become lifelong stewards of their ever-changing and fragile coastal environment,” Alice Prets, Principal at Oppe Elementary Magnet Campus of Coastal Studies

MSA’s National Institute for Magnet School Leadership (NIMSL) developed the certification program in 2016 as a roadmap for magnet schools to reach their fullest potential. Schools are assessed on the Magnet School Standards of Excellence, and per the five pillars of magnet schools, submit detailed examples of their work to promote diversity, close the achievement gap and implement an innovative curriculum, as well as encourage parent and community partnerships in their schools. Becoming a certified magnet school is a rigorous process that enables schools to strengthen their top qualities and gain national recognition for their success. 

 “Our certified schools set the strongest example for what’s possible when schools fully commit to the pillars of top magnet schools: pursuing innovative curriculum and professional development, diverse classrooms, academic excellence, leadership, and family and community partnerships. The faculty, staff, administrators and communities behind these schools have achieved something incredibly special, and we’re proud to celebrate them.” said Kelly Bucherie, Director of the National Institute for Magnet School Leadership at Magnet Schools of America.

Magnet Schools of America (MSA) is a nonprofit education association that represents more than 4,340 magnet schools serving nearly 3.5 million students across 46 states and the District of Columbia. MSA was founded in 1986 and authorized as a 501(c)3 in 1994. It supports and serves the leaders and teachers of magnet and theme-based schools, while promoting the development of new magnet programs. 

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