Three Richland Two Schools in first cohort of Nationally Certified Magnet Schools
August 27, 2017
Three schools in Richland School District Two have met the criteria to become Nationally Certified Magnet Schools. Magnet Schools of America (MSA), the national association of magnet and theme-based schools, announced North Springs Elementary School, E. L. Wright Middle School, and Richland Northeast High School have earned national certification following a nine-month evaluation process.
Only 55 schools in 12 states earned the designation and Richland Two is the only district in South Carolina to do so. Additionally, North Springs is one of 10 schools identified as a National Demonstration School. North Springs exceeded the criteria outlined in MSA’s Standards of Excellence and will serve as a model learning laboratory for school innovation and improvement for others to observe and follow.
“These schools took on the challenge of becoming part of the first cohort group in the U.S. to seek national certification and have worked diligently over the past year to provide evidence demonstrating they meet the MSA Standards of Excellence,” said Dawne Whitley, Director of Magnet Programs.
Superintendent Dr. Baron Davis, executive staff and school board members made the surprise announcements to principals during their Back-to-School visits this week. “I commend each of the three schools, their students, parents, staff and partners for getting this stamp of approval from MSA,” said Dr. Davis. “This is a tremendous accomplishment and honor for all involved to have four magnet programs receive national certification. Our entire district is extremely proud of these premier magnet programs that are fueling the flames of excellence in Richland Two.”
The four Nationally Certified Magnet Programs in Richland Two are STEMS at North Springs Elementary,
E. L. Wright’s International Baccalaureate World School Middle Years Programme and the Leadership Academy at Wright, and Richland Northeast’s International Baccalaureate World School.
The application process required schools to provide specific examples of how the school was promoting school diversity, closing the achievement gap, integrating a theme-based curriculum throughout the school, and encouraging parent and community involvement. The national certification status is valid through August 2021. More Richland Two schools will go through the application process this year.
