Magnet Chicago Public Schools Earn National Recognition for Excellence and Distinction

CHICAGO – Nine Chicago Public Schools (CPS) across the District have been named as either a 2025 School of Excellence or School of Distinction by Magnet Schools of America (MSA). More CPS magnet schools than ever have snagged this prestigious national merit award this year, with one school also becoming the first to be recognized two years in a row.

“Chicago Public Schools are showing again and again that we are well on the way to recovery after the COVID-19 pandemic,” said CPS CEO Pedro Martinez. “There is transformational work happening every day across our District, and I am thrilled to see our educators and students recognized for their unwavering commitment to high quality education and learning.”

The full list of awardees:

• Top Schools of Excellence: Joseph Jungman STEM Magnet School, William C. Goudy Technology Academy, Hawthorne Scholastic Academy 
• Schools of Excellence: Jonathan Burr Elementary School, LaSalle II Magnet Elementary School, Mark Sheridan Math & Science Academy, Stone Scholastic Academy, William H. Brown STEM Magnet Elementary School
• Schools of Distinction: Ole A. Thorp Elementary Scholastic Academy

It is Jungman STEM Magnet School’s second year to be awarded as a Magnet School of Excellence, and this year,  the school has also been recognized as a top awardee, marking a significant milestone in its ongoing journey toward excellence. The school’s Principal, Suzanne Luzzi, was also recently named by MSA as a 2025 Principal of the Year for Regional VI, which represents Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin.

When Principal Luzzi took the helm in 2014, Jungman was in precarious standing with declining enrollment. A decade later, Jungman’s transformation into a STEM magnet school is nearly complete, with help from a $15 million Magnet Schools Assistance Program (MSAP) grant from the US Department of Education. The school now has a thriving academic program with waiting lists for enrollment.

“It has been a remarkable journey for our school,” Principal Luzzi said. “It feels good to get the recognition when you know how hard everyone is working, including our students, parents, and staff. While the award is a great achievement, it is not the final destination - rather, it serves as a stepping stone for us to strive for even greater heights."

The fundamentals of STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) are incorporated into every aspect of the student-led learning environment at Jungman, Principal Luzzi said. Using everything from technology and robotics labs to fully functioning broadcast studios, teachers help students focus on real world critical thinking, collaboration, creativity, and communication.

Magnet School of Excellence Awards are only given to a select group of magnet schools. Schools of Excellence are eligible for consideration to receive monetary awards and 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.