Two Lexington-Richland School District Five schools have earned national recognition from Magnet Schools of America (MSA), the national association for magnet and theme-based schools.
H. E. Corley Elementary School Leadership & Montessori Magnet School has met the criteria to become a Nationally Certified-Demonstration Magnet School, while Leaphart Elementary School STEAM Magnet has met the criteria for national recertification.
MSA’s national certification process recognizes exemplary magnet schools and provides a framework to help schools continue developing high-quality, innovative curriculum and instructional programs that promote choice, equity, diversity and academic excellence.
The certification process is based on the five pillars of magnet schools and the National Magnet School Standards of Excellence, which outline the essential elements and characteristics of high-quality magnet programs.
Leaphart Elementary School STEAM Magnet offers an interdisciplinary curriculum focused on science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics. The program emphasizes project-based learning and design thinking, with an inquiry-based approach that encourages students to conduct their own investigations, take risks, learn from failure and try again.
As a Nationally Certified-Demonstration Magnet School, H. E. Corley Elementary demonstrated through evidence, reflection and strategic action that it has established the required standards and fulfilled its commitment to community stakeholders.
The school’s Leadership Magnet program teaches students leadership, accountability, adaptability, initiative, communication and teamwork through FranklinCovey’s Leader in Me whole-school transformation model.
Its Montessori program incorporates the Montessori Method, a child-centered approach developed by Dr. Maria Montessori more than a century ago. The program gives students freedom, choice and resources to explore answers to their own questions while encouraging self-motivated growth.
“The certification process recognizes the highest quality schools in public education,” School District Five Magnet Director Sara Wheeler said. “Nationally certified magnet schools illustrate and emulate rigorous theme-based curriculum, ensure diverse settings in which students thrive and are prepared for the future. Being recognized as a Nationally Certified Magnet School is a tremendous honor and accomplishment.”
