District’s Carter Academy Earns Certified National Magnet School Status

Carter Academy for Performing and Visual Arts has been named a Certified National Magnet School by Magnet Schools of America (MSA). 

In its 2025 announcement, MSA recognized 38 schools nationwide — 19 Nationally Certified Schools and 19 Nationally Certified-Demonstration Schools. Carter Academy was the only magnet school in Texas to achieve the honor this year.

A Focus on the Arts

As a Choice School in Aldine ISD, Carter Academy stands out with its unique focus on performing and visual arts. The school offers students comprehensive instruction in strings, dance, drama, art, and music, setting it apart from other schools. The campus also integrates the arts into its core classrooms, providing students with engaging, well-rounded learning experiences that foster creativity and personal growth.

“Earning the Nationally Certified Magnet School status is a proud milestone that honors our school’s commitment to excellence in the arts,” said Carter Academy Principal Cindy Buentello. “It recognizes the creativity, hard work, and growth of our students, staff, and community. This achievement affirms our mission to provide an inclusive, high-quality arts education that empowers every student to thrive. A special thanks goes to Eun Sung Kim, our Choice School liaison, and our magnet team, whose two years of preparation were instrumental in achieving this milestone.”

A Legacy of Recognition

The Certified National Magnet School distinction adds to Carter Academy’s long history of awards from Magnet Schools of America. Since 2004, the campus has repeatedly earned recognition as either a Merit School of Distinction or a Merit School of Excellence. Carter has also been twice honored by Magnet Schools of the Mid-South with its Best Visual and Performing Arts Program Award (2018, 2023).

Districtwide Impact

Aldine ISD Chief of Schools, Dr. Javier Villarreal, said the honor reflects both the strength of the district’s leadership pipeline and its instructional priorities.

“This achievement serves as a testament to the robust effectiveness of Aldine ISD’s leadership pipeline and its unwavering instructional focus,” Villarreal said. “For Carter Academy specifically, the principal served as the assistant principal before taking the helm, which is exciting to see how she was able to not only continue great things, but also take the campus to the next level.”

Superintendent Dr. LaTonya M. Goffney praised the accomplishment, noting that Carter joins Reece and Grantham academies in setting the bar for Aldine ISD’s Choice Schools.

“We are intentional about providing families with high-quality options that match their children’s talents and interests,” Goffney said. “This national recognition confirms what we already know — our schools are preparing students to succeed at the highest levels.”

It is also worth reminding that Reece Academy for Montessori Instruction was named a Certified National Magnet School, while Grantham Academy for Engineering received the the Certified National Demonstration Magnet School status last year.

National Recognition

Magnet Schools of America launched its certification program in 2016 as a framework to help magnet schools achieve their highest potential. Schools undergo a rigorous evaluation based on the Magnet School Standards of Excellence and the five pillars of magnet schools: diversity, innovative curriculum and professional development, academic excellence, high-quality instructional systems, and family and community partnerships.

By earning the Certified National Magnet School status, Carter Academy not only met but exceeded those standards, but also solidified it as a pearl among magnet schools.

For more information about Magnet Schools of America’s Certification Program, visit magnet.edu.