Richland Two Schools receive National Merit Awards

Four Richland Two schools have received National Merit Awards from the Magnet Schools of America (MSA). North Springs Elementary received the coveted Magnet School of Excellence Award. Forest Lake Elementary, Conder Elementary and Ridge View High schools received Magnet School of Distinction Awards.

North Springs received the Magnet School of Excellence Award for its STEMS magnet program. The Magnet School of Excellence Award is only given to a select group each year. Schools of Excellence are eligible to receive monetary awards and to be named the nation’s top Elementary, Secondary, or New & Emerging Magnet School. North Springs was previously named a School of Distinction in 2012 and 2015.

Forest Lake received the award for its NASA School and STEM magnet programs. Conder received its award for the Integrated Arts Magnet School. Ridge View received the award for its Institute for Health Sciences magnet program.

To receive a national merit award, members of MSA must submit a detailed application, which is judged and scored on their demonstrated ability to raise student academic achievement, promote racial and socioeconomic diversity, provide integrated curricula and instruction and create strong family and community partnerships that enhance the school’s magnet theme.

Past winners of Merit Awards include Kelly Mill Middle School for its Kelly Mill INC program in 2015 and Forest Lake for its then Technology Magnet program in 2011.