Hamilton County Schools announced that Battle Academy for Teaching and Learning has been named a 2013 Magnet School of Excellence by Magnet Schools of America (MSA), the National Association for Magnet and Theme-Based Schools.
Battle Academy for Teaching and Learning is a diverse learning community seeking to develop each child's full potential. Battle focuses on identifying and teaching to each child's individual talents and strengths, based on Dr. Howard Gardner's theory of multiple intelligences. The school is founded on the belief that each type of intelligence has importance in a child's life and can lead to greater learning. The magnet school is a multi-faceted educational facility focused on individual learning styles and strengths that brings urban and suburban children, families and faculty together to form a diverse, innovative learning community.
“Magnet schools throughout the country are being awarded for their excellence in demonstrating student achievement, innovative and engaging instruction and curriculum, community engagement, professional development, and a commitment to diversity. This is a competitive process that awards only a small fraction of the magnet schools nationally. Schools that win our Merit Awards represent the best in education, innovation, equity and opportunity for all students in our nation,” said Magnet Schools of America Executive Director Scott Thomas.
To receive a merit award MSA member schools must submit a detailed application that is scored by a panel of educators. There are two categories of merit awards: (1) Magnet Schools of Excellence, the top award given to a group of select magnet schools, and (2) Magnet Schools of Distinction, the second highest award of recognition.
The top scoring magnet schools in the excellence category are eligible to receive monetary awards including $1,000 for the New & Emerging Magnet School Award and $5,000 for the Dr. Ronald P. Simpson Distinguished Merit Award, considered the top award for magnet schools in the nation.
Saunya V. Goss, principal, will receive the school’s merit award plaque during an awards ceremony at the 31st National Conference on Magnet Schools in Tulsa, Ok., on May 5-8.
To learn more about Magnet Schools of America’s merit awards program, please visit www.magnet.edu.