In August, Drachman Montessori K-8 Magnet School became the latest Tucson Unified School District Magnet school to receive a Magnet Schools of America (MSA) recognition.
The Drachman Dragons received the Certified Demonstration Award and will be recognized and receive an award at the Magnet Conference in Nashville in April.
According to the MSA, because Drachman received Certified-Demonstration for 2024-2028, it will be exempt from completing the Merit Award application for the 2024-25 school year and will automatically be recognized as a Top Merit School of Excellence. This exemption is only available for the first year after earning Demonstration status.
"For our family, a magnet certification represents that not only does Tucson Unified offer magnet programs like Montessori to meet the unique needs and interest of our community, but also that Drachman's Montessori program maintains the rigorous criteria set forth by Magnet Schools of America," Drachman parent Krystal Enriquez said.
Tucson Unified is home to 12 Magnet schools. Currently, besides Drachman, there are four other schools certified at the Demonstration level: Carrillo Magnet K-5 (2023-24 to 2026-27), Borton Magnet Elementary School (2023-24 to 2026-27), Holladay Fine Arts Magnet Elementary School (2023-24 to 2026-27), and Mansfeld Middle Magnet School (recertifying 2024-25).
Other schools who are currently certified are Tucson High Magnet School (2023-23 to 2026-27), Bonillas Traditional Elementary Magnet School (2023-24 to 2026-27), and Davis Bilingual Elementary Magnet School (recertifying 2024-25).
Mansfeld, Carrillo, Borton, and Holladay were also awarded Merit Awards of Excellence SY 24-25, while Drachman and Tucson High were awarded Merit Award of Distinction SY 24-25.
With the MSA Merit Award of Distinction and Certification at the Demonstration Level, Drachman is one of the only K-8 Montessori Magnet Schools nationwide to receive such distinctions.
“Being named a Magnet Schools of America Certified Demonstration School is an incredible honor! It highlights the hard work of our staff and the ongoing efforts of our community. This recognition underscores our 2015 accomplishment, where Drachman was named a National Blue Ribbon School by the United States Department of Education,” Drachman principal Dr. Jesus Celaya said. “The MSA award means that the quality of our Montessori Magnet Program, in addition to our Music, Ecology, and Sports Programs, is so outstanding that Drachman can serve as a model for other Montessori and Magnet schools to learn from nationwide.”
