Magnet Schools of America

09/02/2026

The first few days of school set the tone.

Before the schedules settle in and the routines take hold, there’s an important opportunity for school leaders to establish—or reestablish—connections.

In the latest episode of Magnet Voice, Dr. Davis shares why those early moments matter and how connection can shape the year ahead.

🎧 Listen to Starting the School Year with Connection and Purpose:
https://magnet.edu/magnet-voice

09/01/2026

5 Reasons to Attend the 2026 MSA Policy Training Conference

The policies shaping public education don't stop at the schoolhouse door. Join us October 28–30 in Washington, D.C., to better understand the issues affecting magnet schools and connect with the people and conversations shaping what's next.

Here are just five reasons to attend:

1️⃣ Gain insight into the issues shaping education
2️⃣ Meet with your members of Congress
3️⃣ Build your skills and confidence
4️⃣ Connect with magnet leaders from across the country
5️⃣ Return home ready to lead

From timely policy discussions to meetings with federal lawmakers, the 2026 Policy Training Conference offers an opportunity to gain knowledge, build connections, and bring valuable insights back to your school or district.

📅 October 28–30, 2026
📍 Washington, D.C.

🔗 Register today: https://heyor.ca/07SmMn

Full payment is required before the conference begins. If not paid in full, a valid Purchase Order must be submitted by October 23, 2026. Unpaid registrations default to the onsite rate, regardless of registration date.

08/31/2026

Magnet Schools of America CEO Ramin Taheri will be participating in Harvard Kennedy School's PEPG’s Emerging School Models Conference: Broadening the Landscape for Choice on September 17–18.

The conversation will bring together education leaders to explore how school models, policy, technology, and innovation are shaping the future of educational opportunity.

We’re looking forward to bringing the magnet school perspective to the conversation.

Learn more: https://heyor.ca/xvAUT8

08/28/2026

There's still time to invest in professional learning that will support your magnet program throughout the school year.

MSA's On-Demand Professional Learning Catalog gives you immediate access to more than 10 hours of expert-led content designed to help magnet educators strengthen programs, lead with confidence, and turn ideas into action.

Whether you're looking for one specific topic or the complete collection, you'll find practical strategies you can implement right away.

Start learning today:
https://heyor.ca/oShcg0

08/27/2026

📣 New stories. New ideas. New conversations.

A new school year brings a familiar question: How do we create schools where students don't just attend, but feel connected, engaged, and excited about what's ahead?

Dr. Baron R. Davis, Magnet Schools of America's Superintendent-in-Residence, explores that question from two complementary perspectives in the latest issue of Distinct by Design and a new episode of The Magnet Voice.

Together, the article and podcast episode invite us to consider a bigger question for the year ahead:
Don't just ask how we can get students ready for the future. Ask how we can design schools that make them want to be part of it.

📖 Read the latest issue of Distinct by Design: https://magnet.edu/distinct-by-design -reader
🎙️ Listen to the latest episode of The Magnet Voice: https://magnet.edu/magnet-voice

08/27/2026

Congratulations, Jen! 🎉 We’re proud to celebrate the incredible educators in our magnet school community who inspire students to learn, grow, and thrive every day. Well deserved! Marine Science Magnet High School

08/25/2026

🎉 A new school year brings new leadership to Northside ISD!

Jessica Palomares, a Northside graduate, former teacher and administrator, is beginning the school year as the district’s Interim Superintendent.

As she leads one of San Antonio’s largest school districts, Northside continues to offer students a wide range of educational opportunities—including 12 magnet schools with programs spanning cybersecurity, STEM, construction, health careers and more.

We’re excited to see what the new school year brings for Northside ISD and its students!

Read more: https://heyor.ca/3vTY5T

Northside ISD opens 130+ campuses as interim superintendent Jessica Palomares tackles enrollment dips with a 200+ student Virtual Academy, 12 magnet schools and open enrollment.

08/25/2026

Magnet Schools of America (MSA) is pleased to announce we have named 40 Nationally Certified Schools and 37 Nationally Certified Demonstration Schools, bringing the total number of nationally certified schools across the country to 337. As shining examples of magnet school excellence, these schools offer exceptional learning opportunities and join a distinguished, growing group of nationally recognized magnet programs. Read more: https://heyor.ca/Y4Z90m

08/24/2026

📚 A little leadership reading for your day!

Have you read the latest On Leadership column from MSA Superintendent-in-Residence Dr. Baron R. Davis?

Take a few minutes to explore why public education was never meant to stand still.

https://heyor.ca/RB4fzt

08/23/2026

⏰ Last chance to vote!

PanelPicker voting closes soon, and there's still time to support MSA's proposed SXSW EDU session: 📚 Reclaiming the School Choice Narrative: What Americans Want

Voting ends TODAY: https://heyor.ca/DZ1LBd

Thank you to everyone who has already cast a vote!

PanelPicker® is the official SXSW user-generated session proposal platform. Enter ideas and vote to help shape Conference programming for SXSW and SXSW EDU.