Hartford education officials are celebrating after five schools were named National Merit Schools by Magnet Schools of America. Magnet Schools of America’s National Merit Awards program honors the top magnet schools in the United States.
“The awards recognize schools that demonstrate a commitment to high academic standards, curriculum innovation, successful desegregation and diversity efforts and consistent delivery of high quality educational services to all stakeholders,” Magnet Schools of America said in a statement.
Annie Fisher STEM Magnet School earned a National Merit School of Excellence award, the highest and most prestigious honor given by Magnet Schools of America, according to officials.
Schools that earned the Merit School of Distinction Award from Magnet Schools of America are:
- Breakthrough Magnet School South
- Great Path Academy
- Montessori Magnet School at Annie Fisher
- Noah Webster MicroSociety Magnet School
Hartford education official said this is the third year in a row that Breakthrough Magnet School South earned the award, and the second year in a row for Great Path Academy and Noah Webster MicroSociety Magnet School.
“We are more than proud of our schools for earning the Magnet School of Excellence and Distinction Awards from Magnet Schools of America. These recognitions reflect our schools’ hard work and commitment in being leaders in providing high-quality education and services in inclusive learning environments that raise the bar for student success,” said Hartford Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Andraé Townsel. “As superintendent and CEO, I am honored to lead a community of passionate educators, resilient students, and dedicated families who believe in the power of public education to transform lives.”
The schools will be recognized during a ceremony held at the Magnet Schools of America’s 2026 National Conference in San Diego, California in April.
“Our AFSTEM Learning Community is proud to be recognized as a Magnet Schools of America School of Excellence. This prestigious honor reflects the unwavering dedication of our exceptional educators and the collective commitment of our students, families, and staff in creating a thriving, high-achieving academic learning community. AFSTEM offers innovative and engaging STEAM programming, including Future Problem Solvers, C.A.T.S. Program with the CT Science Center, Competitive Esports and production, All-Girls FIRST LEGO League, and K–8 STEAM electives embedded throughout the school day,” said Erin Wilson-Ruff, principal of Annie Fisher STEM Magnet School.
“We also provide rich arts integration opportunities such as musical theater, band, chorus, printmaking, pottery, visual arts, and a full range of athletic programs. Our success is strengthened by meaningful partnerships with the Connecticut Science Center, the University of Hartford, the University of Connecticut, and the University of Saint Joseph,” Wilson-Ruff said. “In addition, we offer enrichment pathways during the school day as well as before and afterschool academic programs to promote student achievement in literacy and mathematics. This recognition reflects the hard work and determination of our entire school community and reinforces our mission to place STEAM education and academic excellence at the center of everything we do. We are bursting with STEAM pride and remain committed to learning, growing, and striving for excellence every day.”
To receive a national merit award, members of Magnet Schools of America had to 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, according to education officials.
Stephen Underwood can be reached at [email protected].