Two Lexington-Richland School District Five schools have received national recertification by Magnet Schools of America, the national association for magnet and theme-based schools.

H.E. Corley Elementary School Leadership & Montessori Magnet School has met the criteria to become a Nationally Certified-Demonstration Magnet School, and Leaphart Elementary School STEAM Magnet has met the criteria to become nationally recertified.

MSA created this national certification process designed to recognize the most exemplary magnet schools in the nation and help them as they continue to grow and provide high-quality, innovative curriculum and instructional programs that promote choice, equity, diversity and academic excellence for all students, according to a news release.

The certification process is based on the five pillars of magnet schools and the National Magnet School Standards of Excellence. These standards define the essential elements and characteristics of high-quality magnet programs. 

Leaphart Elementary School STEAM Magnet offers students a rigorous interdisciplinary curriculum of science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics. The STEAM curriculum is grounded in project-based learning and design thinking to inspire, challenge and empower students. This inquiry-based approach relies heavily on student-led investigations where students are encouraged to take risks, experience failure and try again.

As a nationally certified-demonstration magnet school, H.E. Corley Elementary School Leadership & Montessori Magnet demonstrated through evidence, reflection and strategic action that they have established the Standards of Excellence in the school and fulfilled a commitment to community stakeholders.

H.E. Corley Elementary School Leadership Magnet teaches students about qualities including leadership, accountability, adaptability, initiative, communication, teamwork and more based on FranklinCovey’s Leader in Me whole-school transformative model. The H.E. Corley Elementary Montessori program incorporates the Montessori Method, an approach created by Dr. Maria Montessori over a century ago. Her child-centered classroom gives students freedom, choice and resources to explore answers to their own questions, which encourages “self-motivated growth in all areas of development.”

“The certification process recognizes the highest quality schools in public education,” School District Five Magnet Director Sara Wheeler said. “Nationally certified magnet schools illustrate and emulate rigorous theme-based curriculum, ensure diverse settings in which students thrive and are prepared for the future. Being recognized as a nationally certified magnet school is a tremendous honor and accomplishment.”