Los Angeles Unified earned top national honors last night at the Magnet Schools of America (MSA) conference in Nashville, with awards spotlighting the district’s excellence and innovation in magnet education. Grover Cleveland Charter High School was named Best Magnet School in the Country and Rebecca McMurrin, principal of Ulysses S. Grant Senior High School, was named the Principal of the Year. Additionally, Naomi Talens, a George Ellery Hale Charter Academy student, won the national Student Art Contest.
These individual awards build on a record-breaking year for Los Angeles Unified magnet schools — 89 programs across the District were recognized by MSA as among the nation’s best. Together, these recognitions and awards underscore Los Angeles Unified’s leadership in providing outstanding, student-centered magnet programs that inspire creativity, achievement, and opportunity for all learners.
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The District’s magnet programs span a variety of themes, including STEM, visual and performing arts, public service, communication arts, liberal arts, and gifted education. These programs equip students with real-world industry experience, foster partnerships with community organizations, and provide pathways to success in higher education and beyond.
Los Angeles Unified offers over 330 magnet programs serving nearly 89,000 students from kindergarten through 12th grade. These programs not only provide rigorous, theme-based instruction but also foster lifelong connections between students and their communities.
With the highest number of awards in the District’s history, Los Angeles Unified continues to set the standard for innovation and excellence in magnet education.
“These national honors from Magnet Schools of America reflect the incredible dedication of our educators, leaders, students, and families across Los Angeles Unified,” said Superintendent Alberto M. Carvalho. “From Cleveland High School being named Best Magnet School in the Country to the recognition of 89 outstanding magnet programs earlier this year, these awards affirm our commitment to excellence and opportunity for every learner. Together, we are setting a national standard for what’s possible in public education.”
“I extend my sincere congratulations to Cleveland HS Principal Cindy Duong on receiving the Dr. Ronald P. Simpson Distinguished Merit Award of Excellence—the most prestigious magnet school award in the nation!” said Board President Scott Schmerelson. “It is very well deserved.”
“Los Angeles Unified continues to shine as a national leader in public education, with this recognition reflecting the passion and dedication driving our schools,” said Board Vice President Dr. Rocío Rivas. “Congratulations to Grover Cleveland Charter High School and Principal Rebecca McMurrin—your achievements inspire us all and make us proud to be LAUSD.”
“Our magnet schools continue to be the best of the best.” said Board Member Sherlett Hendy Newbill. “Congratulations to all of the outstanding educators and students on your continued achievements.”
“We are thrilled to celebrate all of our amazing magnet schools that were honored this year” said Board Member Nick Melvoin. “Students and families choose these schools to experience the best of LAUSD—diversity, innovation, and excellence.”
“Congratulations to Principal Rebecca McMurrin at Grant High School in Board District 6, for being named Principal of the Year, and to all the awardees! I have seen Principal McMurrin’s incredible work firsthand, and she is an exceptional leader for her school community,” said Board Member Kelly Gonez.
“Congratulations to our incredible students, educators, and school leaders on earning top national honors,” said Board Member Tanya Ortiz Franklin. “Your dedication and passion represent the excellence, creativity, and innovation that defines LA Unified every day. Thank you for inspiring us all!”
"It is an extraordinary honor for our district to be recognized as home to the Best Magnet School in the Nation and the National Magnet Principal of the Year," said Student Integration Services Executive Director and Magnet Schools of America President-Elect Dr. Keith H. Abrahams III. "This distinction reflects the excellence, innovation, and dedication of our educators, leaders, and students. We are committed to providing superior educational options that empower students to be ready for the world."
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