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Three Pinellas schools earn certification from Magnet Schools of America

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MSA National Certification

Three Pinellas schools have earned Magnet Schools of America National Certification.

Mildred Helms Elementary IB World School has earned National Certification for the first time. And two of our schools earned Nationally Certified-Demonstration status, serving as learning models for magnets across the country: Douglas L. Jamerson Jr. Elementary Center for Mathematics and Engineering, which recertified, and James B. Sanderlin IB World School, another first-time applicant. 

“We are incredibly proud of our certified magnet schools and the students, staff and families who make this great work possible,” said Dr. Melissa Campbell, director of Student Assignment. “Our high-quality, innovative learning opportunities are leading the way in magnet education.”

  • Mildred Helms Elementary IB World School is an authorized International Baccalaureate® (IB) Primary Years Programme (PYP), which provides an intellectually challenging environment that encourages students to become critical and reflective thinkers in preparation for success in college, careers and citizenship in the 21st century.
  • Douglas L. Jamerson Elementary Center for Mathematics and Engineering provides a positive, engaging learning environment and an integrated engineering curriculum that empowers students to think critically, analyze quantitatively and solve real-world problems. 
  • James B. Sanderlin K-8 IB World School is an authorized IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) and an authorized IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) School, where IB students participate in advanced and rigorous coursework and become culturally aware by exploring current events and real-world issues.  

To become nationally certified by MSA, schools must submit a detailed application and participate in a rigorous evaluation conducted by the National Institute for Magnet School Leadership. Cohorts begin every August and run through the following June.
 
All three schools demonstrated that they have established the Standards of Excellence and fulfilled their commitment to community stakeholders. Schools with Demonstration status not only met the Standards of Excellence but exceeded the criteria, becoming nationwide models for innovative, high-quality magnet education. The certification status is valid through August 2030.