Oakland Park’s public schools are earning national recognition — the kind that reflects daily work and an ongoing commitment in classrooms, labs, studios, and offices across our city.
Magnet Schools of America (MSA) has recognized Broward County Public Schools with 37 national Merit Awards this year, honoring magnet programs across the county for academic excellence, innovative curriculum, strong leadership, and parent/community engagement. In Oakland Park, three schools were among those honored — a clear sign that outstanding public education is happening right here in our community.
Oakland Park’s 2026 nationally recognized magnet programs:
North Andrews Gardens Elementary School earned a Magnet School of Excellence award for its Performing and Visual Arts program.
James S. Rickards Middle School was named a National Magnet School of Distinction for its Achieving Career Equity for Students (ACES) program — and this is the second year in a row Rickards has received this national recognition.
Northeast High School was also recognized as a Magnet School of Distinction in multiple areas, including Alternative Energy, Biotechnology, The Latin School, and Achieving Career Equity for Students.
These awards don’t happen by accident. They reflect schools that are creating rigorous, student-centered learning pathways, the kinds of programs that help students explore new interests, build confidence, and prepare for what comes next, whether that’s college, career training, or the workforce.
Most importantly, these honors speak to the people behind them. Congratulations to the principals, teachers, staff, and students at North Andrews Gardens Elementary, Rickards Middle, and Northeast High for representing Oakland Park with excellence. Your hard work is strengthening our community and proving that our local public schools deserve pride, support, and respect.
MSA will recognize award-winning schools and programs during an awards ceremony in April 2026.
Broward County Public Schools (BCPS) is a proud “A”- rated District, serving as the sixth-largest school district in the nation and the second-largest in the state of Florida. As Florida’s first fully accredited school system since 1962, BCPS educates more than 236,600 students and approximately 125,000 adult learners across 239 schools, centers, and technical colleges, and 86 charter schools. BCPS supports a diverse student population representing 174 different countries and speaking 157 languages.