Westdale Heights Academic Magnet Elementary School has been named a School of Excellence by Magnet Schools of America.  Westdale Heights Academic Magnet joins 22 schools across the nation to receive this honor and is the only school in Louisiana recognized at this level. This is the first time an East Baton Rouge Parish magnet school has received this award from the national organization.  The School of Excellence is the top category of awards given by Magnet Schools of America.  Additionally, Baton Rouge Magnet High School was named a School of Distinction.  The school was recognized in the same category in 2006, along with McKinley Middle Magnet School.  

Westdale Heights Academic Magnet became a dedicated academic magnet in 2004.  The school has experienced consistent increases in its students’ performance on LEAP and iLEAP tests.  Westdale Heights currently holds a four star rating, out of five, in the state accountability rankings, and is recognized by the state as a “School of Exemplary Growth”.  Principal Cheryl Singer says the mission of the school is to educate the whole child. “In this time of high accountability, we don’t want to lose sight of the complex needs of the 21st century learners.  We want our children to have a challenging curriculum that includes critical thinking, social skills, citizenship and responsibility to others, health, the arts, and preparation for future education and tomorrow’s workforce,” she said. 

 The School of Excellence Award will be presented on April 30, 2008 to Principal Cheryl Singer and members of her faculty at the 26th Magnet Schools of America Conference in Chattanooga, Tennessee.  During the presentation, the top Magnet School of Excellence will be selected and honored with a cash award of $5,000.