Three District Five schools have received Merit Awards by Magnet Schools of America (MSA), the national association for magnet and theme-based schools.
Nursery Road Elementary School-Arts Magnet has been named a National Magnet School of Excellence.
“I am grateful to our dedicated teachers, staff, supportive community, and the District Magnet Office for their commitment to our vision, as this award from Magnet Schools of America is a testament to their collective excellence,” Principal Karey Fisher said.
Nursery Road Elementary-Arts Magnet is the only elementary school in School District Five that offers expanded arts for students as well as arts integration in the core classes. Once a week, students experience dance, theater, instrumental or general music, and visual or media arts in their Related Arts rotation. While in the core classes, the instrumental or general music teacher and the media or visual arts teachers co-teach with classroom teachers to facilitate arts integrated lessons. Integrating the Arts in the classroom creates a deeper understanding of cross-curricular content.
Leaphart Elementary School STEAM Magnet and Spring Hill High School Career Pathways Magnet have been named a National Magnet School of Distinction.
Leaphart Elementary School STEAM Magnet offers students a rigorous interdisciplinary curriculum of science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics. The STEAM curriculum is grounded in authentic, project-based learning and design thinking to inspire, challenge, and empower all students. The inquiry-based approach relies heavily on student-led investigations where students are encouraged to take risks, experience failure, and try again.
“I continue to marvel at the unwavering commitment to growing our STEAM magnet program,” Leaphart Elementary School STEAM Magnet Principal Courtney Sims said. “Our teachers are always creating new learning opportunities for students, empowering them to #Think3D. This recognition is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the students, teachers, and families of Leaphart. I am one proud principal.”
Spring Hill High School Career Pathways Magnet is a comprehensive all-choice, all-magnet, public high school that offers five focus programs to students from grades 9-12 including: Engineering, Entertainment, Entrepreneurial, Environmental Studies and Exercise Science academies. Through these academies, students are immersed into high tech, real-world environments which develop core knowledge, ignite imagination and make learning relevant by using themed standards-based curriculum.
“Congratulations to the entire Spring Hill family for being recognized as a 2025 National Award of Merit – School of Distinction by Magnet Schools of America,” Spring Hill High School Principal Dr. Michael Lofton said. “I am so proud of our staff that is nationally ranked and recognized for their hard work and dedication that they have for their students, parents, and each other. I am equally proud of our students who have embraced The Spring Hill WAY and strive to achieve their best each and every day. Thank you to our parents who show tremendous support for our school. It is because of all of you that Spring Hill High School continues to receive national recognition – The Spring Hill WAY.”
The schools will be recognized and receive their merit awards during an awards ceremony held at Magnet Schools of America’s National Conference April 7-10 in Nashville.
To receive a national merit award, members of Magnet Schools of America must submit a detailed application that is scored by a panel of educators. These schools are 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.
“This is a great accomplishment for our schools,” said School District Five Magnet Director Sara Wheeler. “The Magnet Schools of America’s Merit Awards program recognizes member magnet schools annually that exemplify excellence. This recognition demonstrates that these schools are being honored for their outstanding work, which means they are among the best in the nation.”
To learn more about the national merit awards program, visit https://www.magnet.edu.
