Five Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) magnet programs have officially earned National Magnet School Certification from Magnet Schools of America (MSA).
The newly certified schools are:
Dr. Grace M. James Academy of Excellence
duPont Manual High School
Greathouse/Shryock Traditional Elementary School
Meyzeek Middle School MST
Western High School The STEM Magnet
Among the honorees, Greathouse/Shryock Traditional Elementary School met the criteria to become a Nationally Certified-Demonstration Magnet School. This prestigious distinction recognizes the school's commitment to excellence and its role as a model for innovative, high-quality magnet education. Greathouse/Shryock was also named a Top Merit School of Excellence.
The new designations reflect the continued growth of nationally recognized, theme-based educational opportunities across JCPS.
To achieve national certification, each school completed a rigorous, year-long evaluation process requiring extensive self-reflection and evidence gathering. The designation measures schools against MSA’s National Magnet School Standards of Excellence, validating their commitments to academic achievement, equity, innovative curriculum and community engagement.
"This national recognition is a testament to the hard work and innovative spirit of our educators and students," said JCPS Superintendent Dr. Brian Yearwood. "Earning National Magnet School Certification requires an extraordinary level of excellence and rigor. We are proud of these five school communities for setting a high benchmark for educational excellence and expanding top-tier opportunities across our district."
These five schools join seven JCPS magnet programs previously certified by MSA:
Farnsley Middle School MST
Hawthorne Elementary School
J. Graham Brown School
Noe Middle School
W.E.B. DuBois Academy
Western Middle School for the Arts
Westport Middle School Montessori