2 Wake schools with environment and climate focus named top US magnet schools
Two Wake County schools that teach students to be “environmentally literate citizens” and “good stewards of the Earth” have been named among the best magnet schools in the nation.
Millbrook Elementary School in Raleigh won the Donald R. Waldrip Magnet School of Excellence Award that Magnet Schools of America gives to the second-best magnet school in the nation. Lincoln Heights Elementary School in Fuquay-Varina received the Elementary Magnet School Merit Award of Excellence that the trade organization gives to the nation’s top magnet elementary school.
Both awards were given Thursday at Magnet School of America’s national conference in Nashville, Tennessee.
Millbrook and Lincoln Heights both offer the “environmental connections” magnet theme.
“This theme makes learning come alive for students, deepening their understanding of core content while instilling an appreciation for the natural world,” Kimberly Lane, the Wake County school system’s senior director of Magnet and Curriculum Enhancement Programs, said in a news release Friday. “These awards are a testament to the thoughtful, effective implementation of this unique approach to learning, and to the power of magnet programs in general to help our students learn, grow, and succeed.”
Becoming ‘environmentally literate citizens’
Lincoln Heights says on its website it wants students to become “environmentally literate citizens” who practice personal and civic responsibility.
Millbrook says on its website it wants students to “become good stewards of the Earth they are inheriting” who “make responsible decisions based on scientific, economic, aesthetic, political, cultural and ethical considerations.”
“We are so excited to receive this national recognition,” James Aldridge, Millbrook’s principal, said in a news release. “It reflects our commitment to high-quality environmental STEM education for all students that is innovative, engaging, and meaningful. It celebrates the hard work and support of our staff, students, families and community partners.”
Students can take environmental inquiry classes whose broad themes include living things; earth science and solar system; weather and climate; and environmental and community connections.
Students participate daily in electives, which are called “expeditions” that offer hands-on learning opportunities. Expedition titles include “Coastal Ecology,” “Give Bees A Chance,” “Coral Reef Community” and “Who Me? A Scientist?”
“This recognition is a reflection of the hard work, creativity, and dedication of our staff, students, and families,” Kelly Wilson, Lincoln Heights’ principal, said in a news release. “At Lincoln Heights, our Environmental Connections magnet theme empowers students to explore, inquire, and learn through the world around them, helping to create knowledgeable, compassionate stewards of the environment.
Will Trump cut magnet school funding?
Lincoln Heights and Millbrook are among the network of magnet schools operated by the Wake County school system to fill under-enrolled schools, diversify school populations and provide school choice. Wake has won numerous magnet school awards over the years from Magnet Schools of America.
Last year, Athens Drive High School in Raleigh won the Ronald P. Simpson Distinguished Merit Award that goes to the nation’s top magnet school. Conn Elementary School in Raleigh won the Donald Waldrip Magnet School of Excellence Award.
But Wake County school leaders have raised concerns that the Trump administration could cut federal grants that support the magnet school program. Ironically, on the day after the magnet school awards were announced, CNN reported that the administration has plans to eliminate the research arm of National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and to close all of its weather and climate labs.
Wake has frequently won these federal grants, which are meant to help voluntarily desegregate schools.
Wake used a federal grant to start the environmental connections theme at Millbrook and Lincoln Heights in 2018.
In 2023, Wake received a grant that’s supposed to provide $14.9 million over five years to support five magnet schools in eastern Wake. In 2022, Wake received a grant that’s supposed to provide $13.5 million over five years to support four magnet schools in Raleigh and Wake Forest.
The Trump administration has already cut off an $11.8 million grant that Wake used for teacher training and recruitment because it was accused of promoting diversity, equity and inclusion.
This story was originally published April 11, 2025 at 1:33 PM.
