Washington Magnet Elementary School named top magnet school in the country

Washington Gifted and Talented Magnet Elementary School was named top magnet elementary school in the country.

The title was given by the Magnet Schools of America. The school received the Elementary Magnet School Merit Award of Excellence.

The principal, Catie Burnette, said the application was submitted in the Fall and just received the good news on Saturday. It was announced during Saturday at the National Conference on Magnet Schools.

“I know that we’re amazing, but for the whole world to also know that too, it was such an amazing experience,” Burnette said.

Part of what make Washington Magnet Elementary stand out is the unique learning experience for students.

“Students get to cultivate what they want their school day to look like,” Amy Wilkinson, the magnet coordinator, said.

Students have more than 200 electives to choose from.

“I think what’s special, especially in this setting, is that we offer choice,” visual arts specialist Sonya Drum said.

Wilkinson said it gives students a space to find their interests from an early age.

“It gives them that foundation to be able to be curious, and to understand that they’re not going to be great at everything, but it’s okay to try,” she said.

While the students and staff’s very clear talent and hard work is apparent, they noted the school’s history as a contributor to its success.

“No matter how demographics might change within our school, it always has a certain character, courtesy and culture,” Drum said.

The school, a National Historic Landmark, was built in 1923 as the first public school for African-Americans in Raleigh.

“The school has evolved; the school has changed; but the school is still Washington,” Drum said.

Washington will celebrate this achievement with a school wide clap out on Friday, April 28 at 3 p.m.