Two Magnolia School District campuses have earned prestigious recognition from the National Center for Urban School Transformation.
Dr. Albert Schweitzer Leadership Academy was named among 12 finalists in the center’s America’s Best School Awards program, while Dr. Peter Marshall School was bestowed Honor Roll status.
To compete for an America’s Best Schools Award, schools must meet rigorous criteria, including high academic proficiency rates, evidence of achievement for students with disabilities and English learners, low suspension rates and high attendance rates.
Additional criteria apply to high schools, dual language sites and alternative schools, with a focus on graduation rates and college credit.
Magnolia School District Superintendent Frank Donavan shared the news with his staff on Monday.
“This is a very prestigious award and recognition that is open to all schools across the country,” he said.
Donavan noted that of the thousands of schools that applied for the award, “only 12 were selected as finalists, and only three made the Honor Roll.”
“We should all be very proud of our amazing students, teachers, staff, schools and district,” he said.
Founded in 2005 through a donation from Qualcomm, the National Center for Urban School Transformation aims to transform urban education nationwide. The organization conducts rigorous studies, partners with schools and districts in multiple states, and shares insights to improve teaching and learning in urban environments.
The Magnolia School District, serving the western portion of Anaheim and parts of Stanton, offers educational programs from pre-kindergarten through sixth grade at nine schools, with a strong focus on English language development, community partnerships and character education.