Seventeen Wake County Public School System (WCPSS) magnet schools have attained the National Certification, including 13 that earned the highest level of certification offered by Magnet Schools of America (MSA).

Nationally certified magnet schools have undergone a rigorous one-year process of self-evaluation and improvement, strengthening their commitment to MSA’s five pillars: 

• Diversity
• Innovative Curriculum and Professional Development
• Academic Excellence
• High-Quality Instructional Systems and
• Family and Community Partnerships.

Thirteen WCPSS magnet schools received the highest level certification, being named Nationally Certified Demonstration Schools. These schools not only met but exceeded the criteria for excellence for MSA’s five pillars. The newest National Certified Demonstration Schools are:

• Carroll Magnet Middle
• Fox Road Magnet Elementary
• Green Magnet Elementary
• Kingswood Magnet Elementary
• North Wake College and Career Academy
• Oberlin Magnet Middle
• Reedy Creek Magnet Middle
• Underwood Magnet Elementary
• Vernon Malone College and Career Academy
• Wake Early College of Health and Science
• Washington Magnet Elementary
• West Millbrook Magnet Middle
• Zebulon Elementary 

Fuller Magnet Elementary, Lincoln Heights Magnet Elementary, Martin Magnet Middle, and the Wake Young Men’s Leadership Academy met the criteria to be named National Certified Schools.

Magnet schools must apply to receive this designation. They receive a rigorous evaluation based on evidence that they have met multiple indicators included in the MSA Standards of Excellence. This includes providing specific examples of promoting school diversity, closing the achievement gap, integrating a theme-based curriculum throughout the school and encouraging parent and community involvement.

WCPSS schools consistently receive Merit Award and Certification/Demonstration Status. These schools join 25 other WCPSS magnet schools that previously obtained the certification, which lasts four years.