Four more Richland Two schools and six magnet programs are now on a list of Nationally Certified Magnet offerings. The schools have met Magnet School Standards of Excellence set by the National Institute for Magnet School Leadership. They define the essential elements of an outstanding magnet school, including innovation, professional development, classroom diversity, family and community engagement, and much more.

These schools and magnet programs are (*Denotes National Demonstration schools):

  • The Montessori Magnet at Pontiac Elementary School*
  • Institute of BioHealth Magnet and Scholars Academy Magnet for Business and Law at Ridge View High School
  • Discovery Magnet and Explorations Magnet at Spring Valley High School*
  • iRED (Institute of Research, Engagement and Design) at Westwood High School*

Additionally, Pontiac, Spring Valley and Westwood were identified as Nationally Certified-Demonstration Magnet Schools for exceeding the criteria and fulfilling a commitment to community stakeholders.

“Obtaining this stamp of approval from Magnet Schools of America on four more of our premier schools is a tremendous honor and accomplishment for the district and community,” said Director of Magnet Programs, Barbara Turner.

This latest announcement means Richland Two is home to 16 nationally certified magnets at 11 schools, seven of which are Demonstration Magnet Schools. These schools serve as innovation laboratories for others to learn best practices in theme-based education. Previous schools to obtain these designations are:

  • Center for Knowledge/Center for Knowledge North*
  • The Academy for Civic Engagement (ACE) at Lonnie B. Nelson Elementary*
  • STEMS at North Springs Elementary School*
  • The Learning Collaborative (TLC), Fine Arts and Media Enrichment (FAME) and TWO Academies Single Gender magnets at Dent Middle School
    INC. magnet at Kelly Mill Middle School*
  • International Baccalaureate (IB) World School Middle Years Programme and the Leadership Academy at Wright at E. L. Wright Middle School
  • IB World School at Richland Northeast High School

The application process requires schools to provide specific examples of promoting diversity, closing the achievement gap, integrating a theme-based curriculum throughout the school, and encouraging parent and community involvement. This is the third consecutive year Richland Two schools have earned national certification.