Weddington Hills Elementary, IB World School, has been named one of the top 2024 Magnet Schools of Excellence by Magnet Schools of America, the national association for magnet and theme-based schools. 

“I am so proud of the work that we do at Weddington Hills,” said Principal Annessia Lee. “All of our students engage in inquiry-based learning, celebrate diversity and take action within our community.   

“Mrs. (Mary) Hooks, our IB Coordinator, facilitates time for our teachers to reflect on their units of inquiry and encourages our students to reflect on their work in and outside of the classroom.”    

Each day, the students and staff of Weddington Hills Elementary live their excellence. Through the IB program, learners engage in innovative inquiry-based learning, celebrate language and diversity, and act through service to others. For these reasons, the IB Primary Years Programme at Weddington Hills Elementary has been nationally recognized by Magnet Schools of America since 2017. 

Weddington Hills Elementary will be recognized and receive a National Magnet School of Excellence Merit Award on behalf of the school during an awards ceremony held during Magnet Schools of America’s National Conference on April 16-20, 2024, in New York City. 

Merit 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. 

To learn more about the national merit awards program, please visit www.magnet.edu