7 Magnet Schools Win National Merit Awards, 1 Named Top School of Excellence

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Aldine ISD proudly announces that seven Choice School campuses have been recognized nationally by Magnet Schools of America, the national association for magnet and theme-based schools.

The 2023 Merit Award recipients are the Kujawa Education Center, Carter Academy, Drew Academy, Grantham Academy, Shotwell Middle School, and Reece Academy. The Kujawa Education Center (Kujawa EC/PreK/K and Kujawa Elementary) received a School of Merit Excellence Award and is also named among the Top Schools of Excellence nationally. Kujawa was recognized for its commitment to high academic standards, school diversity, specialized curricula and instruction, family engagement, and community partnerships. Only 24 schools across the country earned the top honor. Carter, Drew, Grantham, Shotwell, and Reece received the Schools of Merit Distinction Award.

“I am thrilled about our Top Magnet School of Excellence and each campus receiving a Merit School of Distinction Award. We are proud of this accomplishment and thank our dedicated parents, faculty, and students who made this possible. In Aldine, students deserve access to an exceptional education. We are proud to provide students and families the opportunity to thrive in the classroom and beyond,” said Superintendent Dr. LaTonya M. Goffney.

The schools will be recognized and receive a National Merit School Award at the Magnet Schools of America’s 40th National Conference hosted by the Dallas Independent School District, April 18-22.

The Application/Nominee Process

To receive a national merit award, Magnet Schools of America members must submit a detailed application that a panel of educators scores. These schools are judged and scored on their demonstrated ability to raise academic achievement, promote racial and socioeconomic diversity, provide integrated curricula and instruction, and create strong family and community partnerships that enhance the school’s magnet theme.

Awards

The Magnet School of Excellence honor is the top merit award category; MSA awards the honor only to a select group of magnet schools.

The Magnet School of Distinction is the second-highest award of recognition.

2023 Merit School of Excellence Award & Top School of Excellence Honoree

(2) Kujawa Education Center International Baccalaureate (IB®) Primary Years Program (K-5)

Principal Andrea Davis of Kujawa Primary and Kim Jenkins of Kujawa Elementary
Magnet School Coordinators: Jodi Angen and Lucy Realyvasquez
The elementary school opened in 2003, and the primary campus in 2008.

Previous MSA Honors
Merit School Excellence Award: 2023*, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2013
Merit School of Distinction Award: 2022
* A Top School of Excellence Honoree

2023 Merit School of Distinction Award

Carter Academy for the Performing and Visual Arts (Grades 1-5)

Principal Lee Wold
The school opened in 1999.
Magnet Coordinator: Rebecca Treviño

Previous MSA Honors
Merit School Excellence Award: 2015 and 2005
Merit School of Distinction Award: 2023, 2022, 2020, 2019, 2010, 2007, 2006 and 2004

Drew Academy for Math, Science, and Fine Art (Grades 7-8)

Principal Andrew Dewalt
Magnet School Coordinator: Kyiandra Hildreth
The school opened in 1963.

Previous MSA Honors
Merit School Excellence Award: 2009, 2006, 2005, and 2004
Merit School of Distinction Award: 2023, 2020, 2019, 2013, 2008, and 2007

Grantham Academy for Engineering: Biomedical, Chemical, Civil, and Mechanical (Grades 6-8)

Principal Ivan Hepworth
Magnet School Coordinator: Denise Gaudiano
The school opened in 1984.

Previous MSA Honors
Merit School Excellence Award: 2020 and 2006
Merit School of Distinction Award: 2023, 2022, 2007, 2005, and 2004

Reece Academy for Montessori, Direct Instruction & Fine Arts (Grade K)

Principal Sharla Rogers
Magnet School Coordinator: Tiffany Goins
The school opened in 1996.

Previous MSA Honors
Merit School Excellence Award: 2022 and 2020
Merit School of Distinction Award: 2023, 2012, 2008, 2007, and 1997

Shotwell Middle School IB® Middle Years Program (Grades 6-8)

Principal Denise Winchester
Magnet School Coordinator: Sharnell T. Nelms
The school opened in 1977.

Previous MSA Honors
Merit School Excellence Award: 2014
Merit School of Distinction Award: 2023, 2022, 2020, 2019, and 2013

Categories

The AISD campuses entered the Whole School Category. The 2022-2023 Merit Award categories are:

(1a) School of Excellence — Whole School Magnet
(1b) School of Excellence — Program Within a School*
(1c) School of Excellence — New & Emerging
(2a) School of Distinction — Whole School Magnet
(2b) School of Distinction — Program Within a School*
(2c) School of Distinction — New & Emerging

*Schools with Within School programs must consist of at least 20% of the student population involved in the program or at least 150 students.

To learn more about the national merit awards program, please visit www.magnet.edu.