• Largest grant in our history - $14.9M to support magnet programs

     Bugg Elementary students working with a robot

    September 27, 2017

    Our school district continues to be a national leader in magnet and curriculum enhancement programs. The latest bit of evidence is the awarding of the largest competitive grant in our history – $14.9 million from the U.S. Department of Education to support magnet school programs.

    The purpose of the USED Magnet Schools Assistant Program (MSAP) grant is to support programs that will reduce socio-economic isolation in schools, build staff capacity and raise student achievement. Newly designated magnet schools or those with significantly revised themes qualified for consideration. 

    The MSAP grant will support the following magnet themes, all of which are new to the district:

    • Bugg Magnet Elementary School Center for Design and Computer Sciences. All students will receive hands-on instruction in computer science, including computational thinking, coding, programming and human-computer interaction using digital tools.
    • Lincoln Heights and Millbrook Magnet  Elementary Schools - Center for Environmental Connections. This program will emphasize opportunities to investigate and connect with life outside the school walls providing students with authentic connections to the natural world.
    • Southeast Raleigh High School University Connections: Design, Arts and Engineering. This theme will utilize strong partnerships with local colleges and universities to prepare students for specific college and career pathways.

    Implementation of the new themes for Bugg, Millbrook and Southeast Raleigh began this year. Lincoln Heights’ new theme begins next fall. The MSAP grant will allow for a much more robust implementation of these themes.

    Parents may apply for any of these or other magnet schools for the 2018-19 school year during the magnet application period, Jan. 10 through 31, 2018. 

    The kickoff of recruitment season for magnet schools for the 2018-19 school year will begin with the Wake County Public School System Magnet, Year-Round and Early College Fair on Nov. 4 at Southeast Raleigh High School, 9 am to noon.