The vision of McPherson Magnet School is to integrate all aspects of learning and education, by using a thematic teaching approach that focuses on science, mathematics, and technology. Our staff expects the students to utilize a variety of methods to demonstrate their learning, to take risks, and to use productive skills. We are committed to:

• Educating the whole child to reach their greatest potential
• Valuing a range of learning styles
• Utilizing a variety of learning tools and strategies
• Extending the learning environment beyond the walls of the classroom
• Encouraging students to become confident, lifelong learners

McPherson was built as a junior high school in 1960 in a residential area on Prospect St. between Chapman and La Veta Avenues. The school sits on 24.2 acres. Due to declining enrollment, the school was closed in the late 1980’s. McPherson reopened in September, 1997, as a science, mathematics, and technology K-8 magnet school on the traditional academic calendar. Currently, Eight hundred and sixty students are enrolled in grades kindergarten through eighth during the 2014/2015 school year.

The vision of McPherson Magnet School is to integrate all aspects of learning and education, by using a thematic teaching approach that focuses on science, mathematics, and technology. Our staff expects the students to utilize a variety of methods to demonstrate their learning, to take risks, and to use productive skills. We are committed to:

• Educating the whole child to reach their greatest potential
• Valuing a range of learning styles
• Utilizing a variety of learning tools and strategies
• Extending the learning environment beyond the walls of the classroom
• Encouraging students to become confident, lifelong learners

Our vision is based on an appreciation and a celebration of the differences among us, as well as the cooperation that we employ as we work together to create a total learning environment for all. We value various ways that individuals learn. Our school is committed to providing a variety of experiences that allows the learners to discover their areas of greatest intellectual development.

The school’s focus and magnet area is in math, science, and technology. McPherson uses hands-on science kits in grades K- 5 to help students deepen their conceptual understanding in science. McPherson utilizes Otter Creek (Rocket Math) and ST Math fluency to increase students’ mathematical fluency skills. McPherson has a student owned laptop program in grades 6, 7 and 8, and will be adding 5th grade next year. Students use their own laptops in all content areas and are supported with Blackboard, Edmodo and Haiku.

This year, the McPherson staff identified citing evidence from non-fiction text and mathematics fluency as our areas of focus. Teachers have been trained in Thinking Maps and there is continuity in writing K-8 with the writing programs Write from the Beginning and Write for the Future.

Please take time to review our School’s Accountability Report Card carefully. If you have any questions or desire any further information, please call the office at (714) 997-6384.