Three APS Magnets Achieve Nationally Certified Schools Status

Coronado, Garfield, and Nex+Gen Academy underwent rigorous process to attain the certification.

A national organization has given its seal of approval to three APS magnet schools, saying they provide outstanding learning opportunities for their students and are leading examples of magnet school excellence.

Coronado Dual Language Magnet School, Garfield STEM Magnet, and Nex+Gen Academy have been named nationally certified magnet schools by Magnet Schools of America. The nonprofit represents more than 4,300 magnet schools across the country.

“We’re proud of Coronado, Garfield, and Nex+Gen Academy for attaining this status and for the innovative way they engage their students,” Superintendent Scott Elder said. “Congratulations to the students and staff at these schools.”

Only 245 schools have attained the designation since the organization began the certification program in 2016.

Coronado and Garfield also attained Certified-Demonstration status, meaning they exceeded the Standards of Excellence criteria and will serve as learning models for magnet schools across the U.S. to replicate.

“Each of these schools showed what’s possible when faculty, parents, students, and communities come together to do what it takes to deliver a high-quality education for all students,” said Kelly Bucherie, director of leadership and program development at Magnet Schools of America.

“School teams worked tirelessly to meet the Standards of Excellence while promoting diversity and innovative curriculums in the classroom and fostering high-quality learning environments for their students,” she added. “We are thrilled to see their hard work and commitment to excellence recognized.”