Feb. 17, 2025
Twenty-five Pinellas schools won national Merit Awards from Magnet Schools of America. The achievement marks the highest number of Merit Awards that the district has earned from MSA.
Three Pinellas schools won the highest honor, Top Magnet Schools of Excellence, 11 more were named Magnet Schools of Excellence, the second-highest honor, and 11 earned the Magnet Schools of Distinction honor.
"We are incredibly proud of the achievements of our magnet schools. The Merit Awards are a testament to the hard work and dedication of our educators, students, and families," said Ellen Truskowski, the director of Student Demographics, Assignment, and School Capacity. "This remarkable accomplishment highlights our commitment to providing innovative, diverse, and academically challenging educational opportunities that engage students in learning and prepare them to succeed in college and careers."
Pinellas County Schools offers more than 80 magnet and fundamental programs focused on students' interests, talents, and abilities. Congratulations to this year’s Merit Award winners:
Top Magnet Schools of Excellence:
- James B. Sanderlin K8 IB World School- International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (PYP) & Middle Years Programme (MYP)
- Mildred Helms Elementary School IB World School- International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (PYP)
- Tarpon Springs High School - Cambridge AICE, Jacobson Culinary Arts, Leadership Conservatory for the Arts, and Veterinary Science
Magnet Schools of Excellence:
- Bay Point Elementary School - Center for Science, Spanish, and Technology
- Douglas L. Jamerson, Jr. Elementary School - Center for Mathematics and Engineering
- Dunedin Highland Middle School - Center for Gifted Studies
- John Hopkins Middle School - Center for the Arts, Journalism, and Gifted Studies
- Lakewood High School - Center for Advanced Technologies
- Largo Middle School IB World School- International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme (MYP)
- Midtown Academy - Centers for Cultural Arts, Gifted Studies, and Literacy Innovation
- Morgan Fitzgerald Middle School - Center for Gifted Studies
- Palm Harbor University High School - Center for Wellness and Medical Professions & International Baccalaureate
- Sandy Lane Elementary School - Conservatory for the Arts
- Tarpon Springs Middle School - Cambridge Conservatory for Academics and the Arts
Magnet Schools of Distinction:
- Countryside High School - ISTEM
- East Lake Middle School Academy for Engineering
- Garrison-Jones Elementary School – Dual Language Immersion - Spanish
- Gulfport Montessori Elementary
- Hollins High School - Academy of Entertainment Arts, Culinary Arts Academy, Cambridge International
- Kings Highway Elementary School - Center for Digital Learning and STEAM
- Largo High School - Exploring Careers Through Education and Leadership and International Baccalaureate
- Perkins Elementary Center for the Arts and International Studies
- Pinellas Park High School - Criminal Justice Academy and First Responders National Guard Center for Emergency Management
- Seminole High School - Center for Education and Leadership
- Thurgood Marshall Fundamental Middle School - Center for Gifted Studies
MSA is a national nonprofit professional education association. To earn a national Merit Award, members must submit a detailed application, which is scored by a panel of educators. Schools are scored on their demonstrated ability to raise student academic achievement, promote racial and socioeconomic diversity, provide integrated curricula and instruction, and create strong family and community partnerships that enhance the school’s magnet theme.
The award-winning schools will be recognized at the Magnet Schools of America’s National Conference, which will be held April 7-10, 2025, in Nashville.
