Nursery Road Elementary School-Arts Magnet, Leaphart Elementary School STEAM Magnet and Spring Hill High School Career Pathways Magnet have received merit awards from the Magnet Schools of America.

To be eligible for a national merit award, schools must apply and undergo evaluation by a panel of educators. Criteria for the awards include raising student academic achievement, promoting racial and socioeconomic diversity, fostering strong community partnerships and demonstrating effective integration of curricula.

Nursery Road Elementary was named a national magnet school of excellence and is the only school in District Five that offers an expanded arts program integrated into core subjects. The school’s students rotate once a week through classes in dance, theater, music and visual or media arts.

“I am grateful to our dedicated teachers, staff, supportive community, and the District Magnet Office for their commitment to our vision, as this award from Magnet Schools of America is a testament to their collective excellence,” Principal Karey Fisher said in the press release.

Leaphart Elementary, a STEAM-focused magnet school, and Spring Hill High School Career Pathways Magnet were both recognized as national magnet schools of distinction.

Leaphart’s project-based curriculum in science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics encourages students to take risks and challenges them.

Leaphart Magnet Principal Courtney Sims expressed how dedicated the students, staff and families are to the program and how educators create new opportunities for students.

At Spring Hill High School Career Pathways Magnet, students from grades nine through 12 can focus on five programs including engineering, entertainment, entrepreneurial, environmental studies and exercise science.

“This is a great accomplishment for our schools,” said School District Five Magnet Director Sara Wheeler in a press release. “The Magnet Schools of America’s Merit Awards program recognizes member magnet schools annually that exemplify excellence.  This recognition demonstrates that these schools are being honored for their outstanding work, which means they are among the best in the nation.”

The three schools will be recognized and given their awards at the Magnet Schools of America award ceremony, scheduled for April 7-10 in Nashville, Tenn.