Los Angeles Unified School and Principal Named
Best in America
Los Angeles, CA (April 11, 2025) – 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.
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."
For a full list of recognized schools and more information about the district’s magnet programs, see below or visit https://www.lausd.org/Page/18918.
For the most up-to-date information, please follow Los Angeles Unified on Twitter/X at @laschools and @lausdsup, Instagram at @laschools and @lausdsup, Facebook at @laschools and @AlbertoMCarvalho1, and Bluesky at @laschools.bsky.social and @lausdsup.bsky.social.
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Los Angeles Unified 2025 Magnet Schools of Merit
There are three levels of recognition:
Top Merit School of Excellence Awards are schools that are the highest ranked in the “excellence category” are eligible to receive monetary awards and the chance to be named among the nation’s “Top” schools.
Merit School of Excellence Awards are given to only a select group of magnet schools that have demonstrated the highest level of excellence in all facets of the merit award application.
Merit School of Distinction Awards are the second level of awards given to magnet schools that have met all the basic requirements outlined in the merit awards scoring rubric.
|
Award Level |
Magnet School Name |
|
Top Merit Award of Excellence and Best Magnet School in the Nation |
Cleveland Charter High School Humanities Magnet |
|
Top Merit Award of Excellence |
Richard Henry Dana Middle School STEAM Magnet |
|
Top Merit Award of Excellence |
El Sereno Middle School and Magnet Center |
|
Top Merit Award of Excellence |
John F. Kennedy HS Architecture/Digital Design/Filmmaking Magnet |
|
Top Merit Award of Excellence |
John F. Kennedy HS Gifted/Highly Gifted/High Achieving Medical Magnet |
|
Top Merit Award of Excellence |
Open Magnet Charter |
|
Top Merit Award of Excellence |
Park Western Place Elementary School & Gifted STREAM Magnet |
|
Top Merit Award of Excellence |
George K. Porter Middle School Gifted Magnet |
|
Top Merit Award of Excellence |
Reseda Charter High School Police Academy Magnet |
|
Top Merit Award of Excellence |
Reseda Charter High School Science Magnet |
|
Top Merit Award of Excellence |
Southeast DREAMS Magnet |
|
Top Merit Award of Excellence |
Sylmar Biotech Health & Engineering Magnet |
|
Top Merit Award of Excellence |
Verdugo Hills High School Science, Technology, Engineering, Math and Multimedia Magnet |
|
Top Merit Award of Excellence |
Westminster Math, Technology, & Environmental Studies Magnet Elementary School |
|
Top Merit Award of Excellence |
Stephen M. White S.T.E.A.M. Magnet |
|
Merit Award of Excellence |
32nd Street USC Media Arts & Engineering Magnet |
|
Merit Award of Excellence |
The Academy for Enriched Sciences |
|
Merit Award of Excellence |
Balboa Gifted/High Ability Magnet |
|
Merit Award of Excellence |
Bernstein Cinematic Arts & Creative Technologies Magnet |
|
Merit Award of Excellence |
Francisco Bravo Medical Magnet High School |
|
Merit Award of Excellence |
Bryson Avenue Elementary STEAM Magnet |
|
Merit Award of Excellence |
Luther Burbank Middle School Arts/Tech/Community Magnet and Police Academy Magnet |
|
Merit Award of Excellence |
Chatsworth Charter High School & G+STEAM Magnet Center |
|
Merit Award of Excellence |
ArTES Magnet High School |
|
Merit Award of Excellence |
Community Magnet Charter Elementary |
|
Merit Award of Excellence |
Daniel Pearl Magnet High School |
|
Merit Award of Excellence |
East Valley High School Media and Technology Magnet |
|
Merit Award of Excellence |
Elysian Heights Elementary Arts Magnet |
|
Merit Award of Excellence |
Alexander Fleming Science, Technology, Mathematics Magnet Program |
|
Merit Award of Excellence |
Robert Frost Middle School Gifted Music Conservatory Magnet |
|
Merit Award of Excellence |
Robert Frost Middle School STEAM Magnet |
|
Merit Award of Excellence |
Ulysses S. Grant High School College Preparatory and Digital Arts Magnet |
|
Merit Award of Excellence |
Hollywood High School Performing Arts Magnet |
|
Merit Award of Excellence |
Holmes Humanities Magnet Middle School |
|
Merit Award of Excellence |
Madison Middle School Medical Math Science Magnet |
|
Merit Award of Excellence |
Mayall Academy of Arts and Technology Magnet |
|
Merit Award of Excellence |
Maywood Computer Science Magnet |
|
Merit Award of Excellence |
John B. Monlux Elementary Science/Tech/Math Magnet |
|
Merit Award of Excellence |
Nobel Charter Middle School STEAM Magnet Center |
|
Merit Award of Excellence |
North Hollywood High School Zoo Magnet |
|
Merit Award of Excellence |
Pacoima Middle School Film/Media/Performing Arts and Computer Science/Math Magnets |
|
Merit Award of Excellence |
Point Fermin Marine Science S.T.E.A.M. Magnet Elementary School |
|
Merit Award of Excellence |
Paul Revere Middle School and Magnet Center |
|
Merit Award of Excellence |
Roosevelt High School Law and Public Service Magnet Center |
|
Merit Award of Excellence |
San Fernando High School Math/Science/Technology Magnet |
|
Merit Award of Excellence |
San Pedro High School Gifted STEAM Magnet |
|
Merit Award of Excellence |
Taper Avenue Elementary STEAM Magnet |
|
Merit Award of Excellence |
Van Nuys High School Magnet Programs |
|
Merit Award of Excellence |
Van Nuys Middle School STEAM Magnet |
|
Merit Award of Excellence |
Vintage Math/Science/Technology Magnet |
|
Merit Award of Excellence |
Virgil Middle School Medical and Health Sciences Magnet |
|
Merit Award of Distinction |
Phineas Banning High School College Preparatory, Firefighter/EMS, Police Academy, and STEAM Magnets |
|
Merit Award of Distinction |
Tom Bradley Global Awareness Magnet School |
|
Merit Award of Distinction |
John Burroughs Middle School Gifted and Highly Gifted Magnet |
|
Merit Award of Distinction |
Carson High School M.E.Di.A. Magnet |
|
Merit Award of Distinction |
Eagle Rock Elementary Gifted Magnet Centers |
|
Merit Award of Distinction |
Fairfax High School's Police Academy Magnet |
|
Merit Award of Distinction |
Franklin High School STEM Magnet |
|
Merit Award of Distinction |
James A. Garfield High School Computer Science Magnet |
|
Merit Award of Distinction |
Hale Charter Academy Gifted STEAM Magnet |
|
Merit Award of Distinction |
Haskell STEAM Magnet ES |
|
Merit Award of Distinction |
Patrick Henry Middle School, Science, Technology, Engineering & Math Magnet (STEM) |
|
Merit Award of Distinction |
Patrick Henry Middle School Performing Arts & Visual Arts Magnet (PAVA) |
|
Merit Award of Distinction |
Hollywood High School New Media Academy Magnet |
|
Merit Award of Distinction |
John F. Kennedy HS Global Leadership and Environmental Action Magnet |
|
Merit Award of Distinction |
Lawrence Middle School Gifted Magnet |
|
Merit Award of Distinction |
Abraham Lincoln Senior High School- Math, Science, and Technology Magnet |
|
Merit Award of Distinction |
Lomita STEAM Magnet Elementary School |
|
Merit Award of Distinction |
Los Angeles Center for Enriched Studies (LACES) |
|
Merit Award of Distinction |
Los Feliz STEMM Magnet Elementary School |
|
Merit Award of Distinction |
Madison Middle School Computer Science Engineering Design Magnet |
|
Merit Award of Distinction |
Melrose Elementary Math/Science/Technology Magnet |
|
Merit Award of Distinction |
Stanley Mosk STEAM Magnet Center |
|
Merit Award of Distinction |
Mulholland STEAM Robotics Magnet School |
|
Merit Award of Distinction |
Multnomah Street Environmental Science Magnet |
|
Merit Award of Distinction |
Nightingale Middle School Business Entrepreneurship and Technology Magnet |
|
Merit Award of Distinction |
Northridge Middle School Medical and Health Careers Magnet |
|
Merit Award of Distinction |
Orthopaedic Hospital Medical Magnet High School |
|
Merit Award of Distinction |
Palms Middle School Gifted Magnet |
|
Merit Award of Distinction |
Roy Romer Middle STEM Magnet School |
|
Merit Award of Distinction |
Math, Science, and Technology Magnet Academy (MSTMA) at Roosevelt High School |
|
Merit Award of Distinction |
The Science Academy STEM Magnet |
|
Merit Award of Distinction |
Sherman Oaks Center for Enriched Studies |
|
Merit Award of Distinction |
South East Senior High STEAM Magnet |
|
Merit Award of Distinction |
Valley Oaks Center for Enriched Studies (VOCES) Magnet |
|
Merit Award of Distinction |
Verdugo Hills High School Visual and Performing Arts Magnet |
|
Merit Award of Distinction |
Welby Way Charter Elementary and Gifted Magnet |
|
Merit Award of Distinction |
Woodrow Wilson Senior High School Administration of Justice and Law Magnet |
|
Merit Award of Distinction |
Woodrow Wilson Senior High School Public Service Magnets |
