New World School of the Arts High School Named “National Magnet School of Excellence” by Magnet Schools of America

Magnet Schools of America 2022 seal

New World School of the Arts has been named a National Magnet School of Excellence by Magnet Schools of America, the national association for magnet and theme-based schools. MSA’s National Merit Awards program honors the top magnet schools in the United States. These awards recognize magnet schools that demonstrate commitment to high academic standards, curriculum innovation, successful desegregation and diversity efforts, and consistent delivery of high-quality educational services to all stakeholders.

“We are proud to have been named a School of Excellence this year and we’re blessed to be in a district rich in magnet schools,” said Dr. Contessa Bryant, New World School of the Arts High School Principal. “It’s wonderful when the work of our students, faculty and staff is recognized by others and deemed worthy of award. Being named a School of Excellence sets us apart, indicating that what’s been done at NWSA for students has received national attention and merit. The magnet program here lights a path and sets a standard for others, and that’s a powerful recruitment tool. A special congratulations to those who committed hours to ensure the greatness of our school was shared with the judges – Dr. Rodriguez, Assistant Principal and Ms. Waleska Cardona, Magnet Leader Teacher.”

Presentation of Excellence Award:

Dr. Contessa Bryant will be recognized and receive a National Magnet School of Excellence Merit Award on behalf of the school during an awards ceremony held at Magnet Schools of America’s 39th National Conference hosted by Clark County School District in Clark County, Nevada, April 18-22, 2022.

More about Dr. Bryant: https://nwsa.mdc.edu/about/directory/Faculty-Bio.aspx?f=csbryant@dadeschools.net.

Magnet School of Excellence Awards are only given to a select group of magnet schools. Schools of Excellence are eligible to receive monetary awards and are eligible to be named the nation’s top Elementary, Secondary, or New & Emerging Magnet School. One of the Schools of Excellence will also be selected to win $5,000 and the Dr. Ronald P. Simpson Distinguished Merit Award, which is considered the most prestigious magnet school award in the nation.

To receive a national merit award, members of Magnet Schools of America must submit a detailed application that is scored by a panel of educators. These schools are judged and scored on their demonstrated ability to raise student academic achievement, promote racial and socioeconomic diversity, provide integrated curricula and instruction, and create strong family and community partnerships that enhance the school’s magnet theme.

More about the national merit awards program: www.magnet.edu.

A Florida center of excellence in the visual and performing arts, New World School of the Arts is an educational partnership of Miami-Dade County Public Schools, Miami Dade College, and the University of Florida. NWSA provides a comprehensive program of artistic, creative, and academic development through a curriculum that reflects our community and the rich multicultural state of Florida. Through our partners NWSA confers the high school diploma, Associate of Arts degree, and Bachelor of Fine Arts and Bachelor of Music degrees in programs accredited by the National Association of Schools of Dance, Music, Theater and Art & Design. New World School of the Arts’ rigorous eight-year curriculum and conservatory-style teaching has empowered students in our community and our nation to become leaders in the arts for more than 30 years.

Providing access is one of New World School of the Arts most important missions. Blind to academic standing at the onset, NWSA’s acceptance policy is based solely on artistic talent. This allows students from all backgrounds, ethnicities, and socioeconomic status to compete for their spot in the school’s coveted arts programs based on their individual talent. Once accepted, students are expected to achieve both academically and artistically. Earning respected national merit and leadership-based scholarships such as the Gates Scholarship, Posse Foundation Scholars, and Presidential Scholars in the Arts, NWSA students have demonstrated over the years that a rigorous arts curriculum not only helps foster their passion and create the next generation or artists, but it also helps students engage and achieve excellence in any academic discipline.

New World School of the Arts has educated, trained, and cultivated a generation of artists who have become the artistic leaders of the future. Graduates from the high school and college programs of NWSA are award-winning artists, playwrights and performers with Academy, Emmy, Tony, Grammy, and Bessie Awards. They are influential painters, sculptors and graphic designers, and their work thrives in museums and galleries, as well as on stages and concert halls around the globe. Our alumni are a source of inspiration to young artists from all walks of life in our community and in our state, and their success is a testament of the possibilities that emerge when the right blend of support and resources are engaged.

More about the NWSA High School program: 305-237-3780 or www.nwsa.mdc.edu.