Oakland Park public schools receive national magnet honors recognizing excellence in academics, innovation, and student opportunity

Oakland Park, Florida – Oakland Park’s public schools are drawing national attention this year, earning recognition that reflects steady effort, thoughtful leadership, and a deep commitment to student success across classrooms, laboratories, studios, and administrative offices throughout the city.

Magnet Schools of America (MSA) has awarded Broward County Public Schools a total of 37 national Merit Awards for 2026, honoring magnet programs that demonstrate excellence in academics, innovation, leadership, and community involvement. Among those recognized are three Oakland Park schools, underscoring the city’s growing reputation as a place where public education is not only strong, but thriving.

The national honors spotlight magnet programs that go beyond traditional instruction, offering students specialized pathways designed to spark curiosity, build real-world skills, and prepare them for life after graduation. In Oakland Park, the awarded programs span the arts, sciences, career readiness, and advanced academic study, reflecting a broad and inclusive approach to learning.

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North Andrews Gardens Elementary School received one of MSA’s highest distinctions, a Magnet School of Excellence award, for its Performing and Visual Arts program. The recognition highlights a school environment where creativity is woven into daily instruction and students are encouraged to express themselves through music, visual art, and performance. The program has become a cornerstone of the school’s identity, helping young learners develop confidence, discipline, and a lifelong appreciation for the arts.

At the middle school level, James S. Rickards Middle School was named a National Magnet School of Distinction for its Achieving Career Equity for Students, or ACES, program. This marks the second consecutive year Rickards has earned national recognition, a rare achievement that speaks to the program’s consistency and impact. ACES focuses on exposing students to career pathways while building academic skills and personal awareness, helping them begin to imagine future opportunities well before high school.

Northeast High School also received National Magnet School of Distinction honors, recognized across multiple magnet programs including Alternative Energy, Biotechnology, The Latin School, and Achieving Career Equity for Students. Together, these programs offer students access to advanced coursework and hands-on learning in fields tied closely to emerging industries and global perspectives. From scientific research to language immersion and sustainability studies, Northeast’s magnet offerings reflect both academic rigor and forward-thinking design.

Educators and district leaders note that these awards are not the result of short-term efforts or isolated initiatives. Instead, they reflect years of planning, collaboration, and investment in student-centered learning. Magnet programs are designed to challenge students while supporting diverse interests and learning styles, creating environments where engagement and achievement go hand in hand.

The recognition also highlights the role of families and community partners who support magnet schools through involvement, advocacy, and shared commitment. Parent engagement and strong local partnerships are key components evaluated by Magnet Schools of America, reinforcing the idea that successful schools are built through collective effort.

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Most importantly, the honors shine a light on the people inside the buildings every day. Principals who set clear visions, teachers who bring creativity and expertise to their classrooms, support staff who keep schools running smoothly, and students who rise to the challenge all play a role in earning national recognition. Together, they represent Oakland Park with distinction and demonstrate the value of investing in public education.

Magnet Schools of America will formally recognize award-winning schools and programs during a national awards ceremony scheduled for April 2026. The event will bring together educators and leaders from across the country to celebrate innovation and excellence in magnet education.

The achievements in Oakland Park are part of a broader story of success within Broward County Public Schools, an “A”-rated district that serves as the sixth-largest school district in the nation and the second-largest in Florida. As the state’s first fully accredited school system, BCPS educates more than 236,600 students and approximately 125,000 adult learners across hundreds of schools, centers, technical colleges, and charter schools. Its student population reflects global diversity, representing 174 countries and speaking 157 languages.

For Oakland Park, the national magnet honors offer more than recognition. They serve as confirmation that strong public schools are shaping the city’s future, preparing students not just to succeed academically, but to lead, create, and contribute in meaningful ways.