Richland School District Two continues to shine as a state and national leader in innovative magnet education. Magnet Schools of America (MSA) recently announced the Center for Inquiry earned national certification. Nationally Certified Schools provide high-quality, innovative learning opportunities that inspire academic achievement, promote diversity, and expand choice for families.
Adding to this success, six Richland Two schools have been designated as Nationally Certified-Demonstration Magnet Schools. The honored schools and programs are:
•Conder Elementary—Arts Integrated Magnet School
•E.L. Wright Middle School— Leadership Academy at Wright (LAW)
•Longleaf Middle School—Longleaf Engineering and Arts Program (LEAP) and School of Zoological and Botanical Studies (ZooBot)
•Muller Road Middle—Leadership Academy at Muller (LAM)
•Polo Road Elementary—Dual Language Immersion Program
•Richland Northeast High School—Horizon, CavPlex Convergence Media, and Palmetto Center for the Arts (PCA)
According to Barbara Turner, Richland Two’s director of magnetp-Programs, earning Certified-Demonstration status means these schools have surpassed the rigorous criteria set by MSA.
“By attaining Certified-Demonstration status, these schools are serving as learning models for magnet programs across the country to replicate. Richland Two now has 16 schools and 28 programs with this prestigious designation,” Turner explained.
MSA will formally recognize Richland Two’s certified and demonstration schools at its annual national conference in 2026.
Among the 118 Certified-Demonstration schools nationwide, 17 are located in Richland Two, representing 27 Certified-Demonstration Magnet Programs. Of the district’s 37 magnet programs, 36 have achieved national certification, reflecting the district’s enduring commitment to excellence, educational choice, and diversity.
Families interested in exploring the district’s national award-winning magnet programs are encouraged to attend the upcoming Choice Fair at the Richland Two Institute of Innovation (R2i2), located at 763 Fashion Drive, Columbia, SC 29229.
•Elementary Magnet Programs: Monday, November 10.
•Middle and High School Magnet Programs: Wednesday, November 12.
Applications for Choice and Magnet Programs will be available at www.richland2.org/choice from November 10 through December 19, at 5 p.m.
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