San Diego will play host to the Magnet Schools of America’s annual national conference over the next five days, with more than 1,400 educators and administrators touring schools across the city.
Magnet schools are public schools of choice offering specialized academic programs, such as STEM, performing arts, world languages and career pathways, designed to attract students from different backgrounds and neighborhoods, according to a statement from the San Diego Unified School District.
More than 4,000 magnet schools serve millions of students in communities across the country and more than 17,000 students are enrolled in magnets in San Diego Unified.
“San Diego provides an exceptional example of how magnet schools can deliver academic excellence while expanding opportunity for students from different backgrounds,” Magnet Schools of America chief executive officer Ramin Taheri said. “By opening their doors to conference participants, these schools are offering a powerful, on-the-ground look at what makes the magnet model a proven and enduring approach to public school choice.”
The conference, running through Friday, will feature keynote speakers such as illustrator Rafael López on Wednesday, expert-led sessions, leadership development and more.
Participants will be able to visit campuses in the SDUSD, as well as the Cajon Valley Union Elementary School District, Coronado Unified School District, and the High Tech High charter network. Participating SDUSD schools include:
- Barnard Mandarin Magnet Elementary;
- Clairemont High School (Linked Learning Academy);
- Creative Performing Media Arts (CPMA Middle);
- Freese Arts and Culture Museum School Language Academy (French and Spanish Immersion);
- Mira Mesa High School (CTE Pathways);
- Montgomery Middle School (Media Arts and STEAM Magnet);
- Nipaquay Elementary School
- Oak Park Elementary (Music and Media Arts Magnet);
- Pacific Beach Middle School (IB World School);
- Roosevelt International Middle School (IB and Media Arts Magnet);
- San Diego School of Creative and Performing Arts (SDCPA);
- Wangenheim Middle School;
- Webster Elementary Academy of Science; and
- The Arts Zamorano Elementary Fine Arts Academy.
“We are proud to welcome educators from across the country to San Diego Unified to see our magnet schools in action,” SDUSD Superintendent Fabi Bagula said.
“Our magnet programs create engaging, high-quality learning experiences that expand opportunity, spark curiosity, and prepare students for success in college, career and life.”
Attendees will tour classrooms, observe teaching and learning in action, and explore how specialized programs are implemented “with fidelity and impact,” district officials said.
