Our school has been named a 2025 Top Magnet School of Excellence by Magnet Schools of America, the national association for magnet and theme-based schools.
Land O’ Lakes High School has a proud history as an International Baccalaureate (IB) school. The school was authorized to offer the IB Diploma Programme in January 2000. Since then, LOLHS has provided a rigorous and globally recognized education to its students, emphasizing critical thinking, intercultural understanding, and respect. The program includes a Pre-IB curriculum for the first two years, followed by the IB Diploma Programme in the junior and senior years. This commitment to excellence has helped prepare students for success in higher education and beyond. Principal Ric Mellin said about this honor, “Our school being named a national school of excellence is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire community. This is yet another example of how our school remains a beacon of pride for staff, parents, and students. Congratulations to everyone for achieving this honor.”
The school will be recognized and receive a National Magnet School of Excellence Merit Award during an awards ceremony held during Magnet Schools of America’s National Conference on April 7-10, 2025, in Nashville.
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 are eligible for consideration 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.
