John Hopkins – which has previously been recognized for its outstanding academic performance – recently achieved an even higher level of achievement.
Magnet Schools of America named John Hopkins a school of excellence, one of 11 Pinellas County Schools to earn the honor.
Originally, John Hopkins was named a magnet school of distinction. But that changed after school administrators appealed the initial decision.
A review of the judges’ scoring revealed some inaccuracies and school leaders challenged the scoring, said assistant principal Kimberly Vongsyprasom.
The judges agreed that John Hopkins deserved the higher award, she said.
John Hopkins now has bragging rights because the designation puts the school in the top tier nationwide.
“To be in the top category is a fantastic achievement for our school,” she said.
Ms. V said judges were impressed that John Hopkins explained its data and problem solving very well.
John Hopkins’ academic and magnet programs such as journalism, visual arts, theatre, dance, piano, and chorus helped it stand out from other contenders.
The teachers and staff members, the students’ data, and how the students have a lot of different opportunities all helped John Hopkins’ scoring.
All honorees will be recognized in April at the Magnet Schools of America’s National Conference in Nashville.
Ms. V said some staff members are planning to attend the conference.
She said the next goal for John Hopkins middle school is to win the award of being a demonstration school.
