Spring Valley High School, home of the Discovery and Explorations magnet programs, has been named a 2025 Top Magnet School of Excellence by Magnet Schools of America, the national association for magnet and theme-based schools. The excellence demonstrated by Discovery and Explorations has earned the magnet programs a merit award every year since 2017.

The Discovery and Explorations magnet programs seek to provide our students with an innovative, academically challenging experience centered on rigorous mathematics and science education through unique, student-centered research and internship opportunities. Our educators strive to establish meaningful relationships with each student and family, set consistently high expectations for all learners, empower each student with the tools to reach his/her full potential, and continuously inspire exploration, discovery, and creativity in our students. Our vision is to develop a well-rounded scholar who has the ability to use scientific inquiry, mathematical tools, and twenty-first-century technology skills to succeed and solve problems in our rapidly changing world. Discovery and Explorations challenge students to embrace diversity and become culturally responsible, caring citizens in the global community.

Ms. Kim Bouchey, Mr.  Jeff Temoney, and Dr. Michelle Wyatt will be recognized during an awards ceremony held at Magnet Schools of America’s 42nd National Conference in Nashville, Tennessee, April 7-11, 2025.

To receive a national merit award, members of Magnet Schools of America must submit a detailed application that is scored by a panel of educators. These schools are judged and scored on their demonstrated ability to raise student academic achievement, promote racial and socioeconomic diversity, provide integrated curricula and instruction, and create strong family and community partnerships that enhance the school’s magnet theme. Please see below for the award levels. To learn more about the national merit awards program, please visit www.magnet.edu. 

• Magnet Schools of Distinction: Schools that achieved a specific score threshold or ranked within a specific percentile of their reader group
• Magnet Schools of Excellence: Schools that achieved a higher score threshold or ranked within a higher percentile of their reader group
• Top Magnet Schools of Excellence: Schools that achieved the highest score threshold or ranked at the top of their reader group