9 Aldine ISD Magnet Schools Earn National Recognition in 2026 Magnet Schools of America Merit Awards

Aldine Independent School District magnet schools continue to earn national recognition for academic excellence and innovative programming, with several campuses receiving top honors in the 2026 Magnet Schools of America (MSA) Merit Awards.

Magnet Schools of America, a national nonprofit organization that supports and promotes magnet schools, annually recognizes campuses across the country through its Merit Awards program. The awards highlight schools that demonstrate a commitment to high academic standards, diversity, specialized curriculum, and strong community engagement.

2026 Magnet Schools of Excellence

Three Aldine ISD campuses earned the highest distinction — the Magnet Schools of Excellence Award:

• Carter Academy for Performing and Visual Arts (Grades 1–5)
• Carver High School for Applied Technology, Engineering & the Arts (Grades 9–12)
• Shotwell Middle School (Grades 6–8) — International Baccalaureate® Middle Years Program

2026 Magnet Schools of Distinction

Five additional Aldine ISD campuses earned Magnet Schools of Distinction honors:

• Anderson Academy for Fine Arts (Grades 1–4) — Visual and Performing Arts
• Grantham Academy for Engineering (Grades 6–8) — Biomedical, Chemical, Civil, and Mechanical Engineering
• Houston Academy (Grades 5–6) — Fine Arts
• Kujawa Education Center (Kujawa EC/PreK/K School and Kujawa Elementary; Prekindergarten–Grade 5) — IB® Primary Years Program
• Reece Academy (Prekindergarten–Kindergarten) — Montessori, Direct Instruction, and Fine Arts

District leaders said the continued recognition reflects Aldine ISD’s long-standing commitment to providing families with meaningful school choice options and specialized academic pathways.

“These national recognitions are a testament to the dedication of our educators, the creativity of our students, and the partnership of our families,” said Aldine ISD Superintendent Dr. LaTonya M. Goffney. “In Aldine ISD, we believe every child deserves access to programs that ignite their passions and prepare them for the future. Our magnet and choice schools are an important part of the #AldineStory, offering pathways in the arts, engineering, international studies, and more, so students can discover their strengths and thrive.”

#AldineStory

While the 2026 awards celebrate current accomplishments, Aldine ISD magnet campuses have a history of national recognition dating back well before 2018. Magnet Schools of America began posting a comprehensive list of winners on its website in 2018, but Aldine ISD schools had already been earning Excellence and Distinction honors in prior years. Campuses such as Kujawa Education Center, Carter Academy, Drew Academy, Grantham Academy for Engineering, Shotwell Middle School, and Reece Academy have been recognized multiple times over the past decade for programs ranging from International Baccalaureate and engineering to fine arts and Montessori education.

The district’s magnet programs are part of a broader portfolio of Choice School opportunities available to Aldine ISD families. In addition to magnet schools, students may explore pathways such as P-TECH programs, early college high schools, career and technical education campuses, and neighborhood campuses with specialized programming.

The announcement comes during National School Choice Week and as Aldine ISD prepares for 2026-2027 student registration. District officials encourage families to explore the full range of academic options designed to match students’ interests, talents, and career goals.

Click here for more information about Aldine ISD magnet and choice school opportunities, including application timelines and campus themes, is available.