08/24/2026
Celebrating! 🥳
Six PCPS magnet schools have earned national certification!
Congratulations to Bethune Academy, Blake Academy, Daniel Jenkins Academy, Garner Academy, Lawton Chiles Middle Academy and Stephens Academy.
Each school has now earned certification through Magnet Schools of America's Standards of Excellence program, which recognizes “the hard work of the best magnet schools in the nation.”
Schools can earn certification through a detailed application process and rigorous evaluation by the National Institute for Magnet School Leadership. Candidates are evaluated on the five pillars of magnet schools: diversity, innovative curriculum and professional development, academic excellence, leadership, and family and community partnerships.
In addition to certification, Bethune Academy, Blake Academy and Stephens Academy were recognized as Nationally Certified-Demonstration Schools. The designation means those schools exceeded the Standards of Excellence criteria, and can serve as learning models for other magnet schools.
PCPS congratulates the students, staff and families at all six newly certified academies! We’d also like to thank our district’s Magnet Schools staff for providing essential support throughout the certification process.
Bethune Academy Blake Academy Lakeland Daniel Jenkins Academy of Technology Garner Academy Lawton Chiles Middle Academy James E. Stephens Academy Office of Acceleration and Innovation - Magnet/Choice Schools
