HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS’ SHINING EXAMPLES:

Our Shining Examples: Magnet schools that scored big!

by Laura Cross, Hillsborough County Public Schools

A really big honor recently turned into a really, REALLY big honor for two of Hillsborough County’s Magnet Schools. MacFarlane Park Elementary Magnet and Riverhills Elementary Magnet applied to become Nationally Certified Magnet Schools of Excellence – an honor they’d been working on earning over the almost 1-2 years of reflection, activities and application required by Magnet Schools of America (MSA). But get this! Not only did these extraordinary schools become Nationally Certified, but this year they were also recognized by MSA as NATIONAL DEMONSTRATION SCHOOLS! This has never happened before in our district! Here’s what it means…

MacFarlane Park and Riverhills demonstrated that their schools were so committed to inspiring diversity, innovative curriculum, academic achievement and community involvement that they stood out as “the most exemplary magnet schools in the nation.”

That’s right…IN THE NATION!

There are nearly 4,300 Magnet Schools in the United States. Only a few of those (almost 130) are Nationally Certified, and even fewer of those are National Demonstration Schools!

We are so proud of the students and staff of these schools…and ALL our magnet schools throughout the district. This level of excellence is found in every magnet school in the district in one form or another, which is why so many families choose magnet schools for their kids each year!

FOR THOSE WHO DON’T KNOW WHAT A MAGNET SCHOOL IS, LET’S BEGIN WITH THIS: WHAT IS A MAGNET?

By definition, a magnet is “a thing or person that attracts.”

Exactly!

Magnet Schools have programs that appeal to the interests of students from all walks of life with the intent to engage them in their learning in unique and exciting ways.

Not a bad way for a student to go through the school day, eh? SOME MAGNET PROGRAMS INCLUDE:

● Medical Programs for our future doctors and nurses (Dunbar Elementary and Sligh Middle) ● Programs for our performers and artists (Elementary:

Shore and Muller; Middle: Orange Grove and Progress

Village; High: Blake) ● Internationally-focused programs that give kids a greater view of the world and how we all connect: * Cambridge International (Middle: Ferrell, Franklin and Rodgers) * International Baccalaureate (Elementary: Lincoln,

MacFarlane Park, Riverhills; K-8: Roland Park; High:

Hillsborough, King, Robinson and Strawberry Crest)

BESIDES SPECIALIZED PROGRAMS, MAGNET SCHOOLS OFFER SO MANY UNIQUE EXPERIENCES, SUCH AS:

● Community involvement with local businesses, sports teams and clubs ● Guaranteed placement in ANY 6-8 magnet school for magnet families enrolled in a magnet school at the end of 5th grade ● Specialized high school diplomas and unique certifications for students in grade 6-12 ● After school clubs tied to their magnet school program ● Technology-rich environments ● A student body that has chosen the school, is committed to it and has applied to be there

The first application window for the 2022-2023 (Yeah, can you believe it?) school year is planned for mid-October. The Magnet Office will be holding magnet events and showcases beginning at the start of October and running up to Winter Break. A list of events can be found on the magnet web page and you can get constant magnet information on Twitter @SDHCMagnet.

Right now, you can research schools that might grab your student’s interest by going to the magnet web page. Be sure to take advantage of our magnet school’s virtual campus tours, meet the principal videos, virtual experiments, student performance videos and more! Just click on the Virtual Experiences link on the left side of the page.

Our magnet schools win major awards every single year. Who knows? The magnet school your student attends next year might be the next Demonstration School—or more!

If your student has an interest, HCPS has a magnet school for them! You can check out a complete list of all of our magnet schools at www.HillsboroughSchools.org/Magnet.

LIFE INTERNATIONAL ACADEMY 5209 Tampa Palms Blvd., Tampa 33647 813-443-3122; Lifeia.org

An exceptional multilingual program fostering students' global-mindedness celebrating Humanity, Diversity and Earth. The program is based on Montessori philosophy and naturalism education in a green environment. LIFE instills an ethical standard in students and encourages them to build a higher purpose than self. Life is more than a school; it’s a village.

LINCOLN ELEMENTARY MAGNET (IB)

1207 E. Renfro St., Plant City 33563 813-757-9329; lincoln.mysdhc.org

We prepare students to meet the challenges of world citizenship with confidence, imagination and integrity. Students can study global cultures and develop an open and curious mind. Students engage in music and arts programs, Odyssey of the Mind, Robotics Team, inquiry-based learning centers, student action/service learning, world languages and more.

LOCKHART ELEMENTARY MAGNET (CREATIVE SCIENCE CENTRE)

3719 N. 17th St., Tampa 33610 813-276-5727; lockhart.mysdhc.org

Students learn using the latest technology, such as STEM tools, LEGO robotics and flight simulators. The national Project Lead the Way program engages students in hands-on activities, projects and problems that are reflective of real-world challenges. Students engage with robotics experiences, engineering challenges, outdoor learning and wildlife habitats.

LOMAX ELEMENTARY MAGNET (GIFTED TALENT ACADEMY)

4207 26th St., Tampa 33610 813-276-5569; lomax.mysdhc.org

Students are active thinking and learning citizens, engaging their minds with Math Olympiad, TiViTz, chess, Future Problem Solvers and Odyssey of the Mind. We embrace the arts with World Drumming, violin and Little Kids Rock; build with LEGO and VEX Robotics; and grow through Student Ambassadors and National Honor Society.

MACFARLANE PARK ELEMENTARY MAGNET (IB)

1721 N. MacDill Ave., Tampa 33607 813-356-1760; macfarlanepark.mysdhc.org

As the #1 Elementary Magnet School in America in 2020, we offer students a unique and unbelievable experience. We prepare students to meet the challenges of world citizenship with confidence, imagination and integrity. Students study global cultures, engage in music and arts programs, Odyssey of the Mind, Robotics Team, inquiry-based learning centers, student action/service learning, world languages and more.

MARSHALL MIDDLE MAGNET (IB CANDIDATE)

18 S. Maryland Ave., Plant City 33563 813-757-9360; hillsboroughschools.org/marshall

Marshall IB students are guided by the International Baccalaureate program. The school is an IB Candidate School with authorization on the close horizon. Students can engage in STEM, robotics, culinary arts, Math League and AVID college readiness. Optional Scholar Quest high school credit courses offer additional rigor.

MULLER ELEMENTARY MAGNET

(VISUAL, PERFORMING, COMMUNICATION ARTS AND ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES)

13615 N. 22nd St., Tampa 33613 813-558-1355; muller.mysdhc.org

The only elementary magnet school to host TWO programs--arts and environmental science--Muller Magnet meets the needs of students of all interests! Daily, students experience strings, dance, music and art classes. They engage in the orchestra and rock band, performance groups and our annual musical. Students can explore the outdoor classroom, global gardens and take part in the National Honor Society and student government. Enrollment: Opening Fall 2021 Class-Size: 1:10 Grades: PreK-grade 8 Tuition: $8,000 - $11,000

Enrollment: 501 Grades: K-5 Tuition: FREE

Enrollment: 387 Grades: K-5 Tuition: FREE

Enrollment: 390 Grades: K-5 Tuition: FREE

Enrollment: 370 Grades: K-5 Tuition: FREE

Enrollment: 911 Grades: 6-8 Tuition: FREE

Enrollment: 439 Grades: K-5 Tuition: FREE

NORTH TAMPA CHRISTIAN ACADEMY 5585 E. County Line Road, Wesley Chapel 33544 813-991-0801; northtampaca.com

North Tampa Christian Academy (NTCA) is an accredited college preparatory private school, serving students in grades K - 12. Located in Wesley Chapel on 44 acres, NTCA provides immersive on-campus education that encourages innovation through project-based learning and an engaging thematic structure. When life demands flexibility for an off-campus option, we also provide the Titan Teacher Network, a "teacher-centric" live online learning experience.

ORANGE GROVE MIDDLE MAGNET

(VISUAL, PERFORMING AND COMMUNICATION ARTS)

3415 16th St., Tampa 33605 813-276-5717; hillsboroughschools.org/orangegrove

Be a shining star at Orange Grove, where high academic achievement meets creativity. Our historic campus includes two professional dance studios, video production, visual arts with a MAC lab and exceptional music and technical theater suites. We help our students prepare for their next step if they choose to apply to Blake High School or to hone their skills so they can "wow" their families. Our kids get a well-rounded education.

PAIDEIA CLASSICAL CHRISTIAN SCHOOL 7834 N. 56th St., Tampa 33617 813-988-7700; paideiatampa.com

Paideia Classical Christian School is a community of parents and teachers who share a commitment for educating children to love learning and grow in godliness. We are intentional about developing passionate disciples, exceptional scholars and virtuous citizens. As a nationally accredited, classical school, we employ time-proven curriculum and methods of education which teach students not primarily what to think, but how to think: thoroughly, maturely and biblically.

PALM HARBOR MONTESSORI ACADEMY 2355 Nebraska Ave., Palm Harbor 34683 727-786-1854; palmharbormontessori.com

Palm Harbor Montessori Academy offers the highest quality individualized Montessori experience in the Tampa area. With innovative programs for children from 12 months to 8th grade, our talented and passionate teachers provide an education that nurtures the whole mind, including critical thinking, emotional intelligence and physical wellbeing.

PATEL CONSERVATORY 1010 N. W.C. MacInnes Place, Tampa 33602 813-222-1040; patelconservatory.org

At the Patel Conservatory, every student deserves the opportunity to discover their creative potential. Our programs provide training in dance, theater and music. Camps and classes vary by length, age and skill level. Patel Conservatory classes require active learning participation by students and result in a performance.

PINELLAS PREPARATORY ACADEMY 2300 S. Belcher Road, Largo 33771 727-536-3600; pinellasprep.org

Pinellas Preparatory Academy is a high performing, "A" rated, tuition free K-8 public charter school. Besides our strong academics, you will find a culture of strong character and community. The school focuses on developing the talents of each student, while emphasizing high academic standards.

PROGRESS VILLAGE MIDDLE MAGNET

(VISUAL, PERFORMING AND COMMUNICATION ARTS)

8113 Zinnia Drive, Tampa 33619 813-671-5110; hillsboroughschools.org/progressvillage

We are proud to offer the largest dance and culinary arts programs in Hillsborough County. We're routinely recognized as a Magnet School of America national award winner and show our craft to organizations and events around the district. Students can try exciting electives such as Costume and Fashion Design, orchestra, journalism and more. The spotlight shines on students at Progress Village. Enrollment: 400 Class-Size: Varies Grades: K-12 Tuition: $13,745 - $18,230

Enrollment: 556 Grades: 6-8 Tuition: FREE

Enrollment: 86 Class-size: Varies Grades: K-12 Tuition: $7,930-$8,699

Enrollment: 220

Class-Size: Toddler 10:2; Preprimary 20:2; Primary to middle school, max of 22:2 Grades: 12 mo. - 14 years Tuition: $500-$1,540 per month depending on age and program

Enrollment: 1,000 Class-size: Varies by program Grades: All ages and skill levels Tuition: Varies by program

Enrollment: 800 Class-Size: K-3 18, 4-8 22 Grades: K-8 Tuition: FREE

Enrollment: 953 Grades: 6-8 Tuition: FREE