Two District 196 elementary magnet schools have been selected for recognition in Magnet Schools of America’s 2026 Merit Awards program. Echo Park Elementary School of Leadership, Engineering and Technology and Oak Ridge Elementary School of Leadership, Environmental and Health Sciences will be recognized at the Magnet Schools of America conference this spring.
Echo Park Elementary School of Leadership, Engineering and Technology was awarded a Top School of Excellence Award, which is given to a select group of magnet schools that have demonstrated the highest level of excellence in all facets of the merit award application. Echo Park Elementary is the only Minnesota school to achieve the Magnet Schools of America's Excellence designation this year, which promotes choice, equity, diversity, access, and excellence for all students.
Oak Ridge Elementary School of Leadership, Environmental and Health Sciences was awarded as a School of Distinction, the organization’s second-highest recognition, given to a select group of magnet schools that have demonstrated excellence across all facets of the merit award application. Oak Ridge Elementary is the only Minnesota school to achieve the Magnet Schools of America's Distinction designation this year.
“I’m so proud of our Oak Ridge students and the staff, families, and school partners who support them," Principal Cathy Kindem shared. "This award celebrates our community and reflects the care, creativity, and collaboration that foster learning and growth every day—in our classrooms and outdoors.”
Regional Teacher of the Year
Longtime educator Brian Hurley has been named Magnet Schools of America Regional Teacher of the Year among a multi-state region that includes Minnesota, Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota, Indiana, Kansas, and Wisconsin. During a school announcement recognizing his impact, principal Logan Schultz praised Mr. Hurley for consistently seeing students’ strengths and creating engaging lessons that support both learners and the broader school community.
“There's not a student in our school that Mr. Hurley has not seen their greatest strength,” said Principal Schultz. “He has created lessons to engage curiosity and help them connect within our school community. We want to thank him for all he’s done.”
A History of Magnet School Excellence in District 196
Echo Park Elementary was previously recognized as a Top Magnet School of Excellence in 2025 and received merit awards previously, as have the other elementary magnet schools in District 196: Cedar Park Elementary STEM School; Diamond Path Elementary School of International Studies, and Glacier Hills Elementary School of Arts and Sciences. The district’s K-12 STEM pathway of schools includes Cedar Park, Echo Park, Valley Middle and Apple Valley High School, which has a fabrication lab and STEM focus. The School of Environmental Studies for high school juniors and seniors is also part of the district’s magnet school offerings.
District 196 magnet schools are open to all District 196 students and to open-enrolled students from other districts. Enrollment is determined through an application and lottery process held each January. For more information, go to www.District196.org/MagnetSchools/.