Magnet Schools of America

The Magnet Schools of Merit Award program recognizes the top magnet schools in the United States that show a commitment to high academic standards, curriculum innovation, successful desegregation/diversity efforts, specialized teaching staffs, and parent and community involvement. The top category given to a group of select magnet schools is the Magnet School of Excellence Award; the second category of awards is the Magnet School of Distinction Award. Schools recognized must be members of Magnet Schools of America for the current school year, and must submit an application that is scored by a panel of educators. Cash awards are provided to the top Magnet Schools of Excellence. They include the following:

The Dr. Ronald P. Simpson Distinguished Merit Awards, considered the TOP award for magnet schools in the nation, is given to only one school in the Magnet School of Excellence category. This award recognizes Dr. Ronald P. Simpson, who was one of the founding members of the Magnet Schools of America (MSA) Board of Directors.  Dr. Simpson, from Kansas City, Missouri Public School System, served as the second president of the organization, 1994-1995. Dr. Simpson made a positive impact on magnet schools, and this award was established to commemorate his outstanding contributions to Magnet Schools of America. The Dr. Ronald P. Simpson Distinguished Merit Award includes a $5,000 cash award, sponsored by American Education Solutions, Croton on Hudson, New York.

In 2006, Magnet Schools of America established a new award for an elementary Magnet School of Excellence for Dr. Donald Waldrip, founder and MSA's first Executive Director which includes a cash award of $2,500. 

Also established in 2006, is the Hogan Lovells Award to recognize a New and Emerging Magnet School of Merit from the Schools of Excellence category. Recognized nationally for its leadership and commitment to magnet schools across the nation, the Washington, D.C. Law Firm of Hogan Lovells is the sponsor of a $1,000 cash award.

In 2010, a second $2,500 cash award was established for an elementary Magnet School of Excellence. This award is sponsored by DKH Consulting Services Inc., of Largo, Florida.

Interested sponsors for MSA's Merit Awards Program are encouraged to contact the Executive Director at ">.

APPLICATION DUE: Wednesday, November 16, 2011 5pm EST