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MicroSociety: A Theme for Your District
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“When I saw my first MicroSociety school, I knew that I was in a learning environment of best practices. It was easy to see young leaders engaged in decision-making in and out of the classroom.”
Dr. Robert Brooks, Executive Director
Magnet Schools of America
July 2009
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Ten Years of Success
In the past 10 years, MICROSOCIETY, Inc. has helped more than 30 districts create unique, award-winning magnet and theme-based schools. Children succeed when learning is made relevant to their lives. The MicroSociety program provides a framework for your theme that engages parents and generates excitement in your community while ensuring the highest-quality education for your children.
Click this link to read a recent press release about MicroSociety’s 2009-10 Magnet Showcase Sites
We can help your district by:
- Offering a highly innovative, research-based educational program that brings together diverse groups of children.
Eugenio Maria de Hostos MicroSociety Magnet,
2009 School of Distinction |
- Improving student achievement and strengthening the 21st century skills students will need to succeed in the global marketplace.
- Enlisting parent commitment to keep the entire school community on track and working together with shared values and guiding principles.
- Aligning theme with district and state standards.
- Improving district capacity to obtain federal funding and sustain the program after federal funding ends.
- Providing high-quality professional development and ongoing support.
MicroSociety as a Framework for Other Themes
Download Arts and Magnet School Profile PDF 
The MicroSociety® program is also a framework for these common themes:
STEM, 21st Century Learning, Careers and Technology, Visual and Performing Arts, Character Development, Leadership, and Business and Economics.
MicroSociety Magnet School Showcase Sites
Maximo MicroSociety and Visual Arts Elementary School
A Visual and Performing Arts MicroSociety School, 2008 School of Distinction, Magnet Schools of America,
The MicroSociety program and the visual and performing arts are completely integrated into the curriculum at Maximo. The cobblestone floors, street signs, mailboxes, park benches, and street lights create the look of a community. Hallways are lined with colorful lighted storefronts and award-winning student displays. Artwork is everywhere. Students support their "Micro" economy by purchasing art and handmade crafts, and tickets for choral, dramatic off-Broadway shows with their hard earned "Micro" money. Then they can catch up on the latest micro news each morning on closed circuit TV. | Pinellas County Public Schools, St. Petersburg, FL
 Grades: PK-5
1189 students
58% Black
18% White
9% Multiracial
9% Hispanic
4% Asian/Pacific Islander
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Noah Webster MicroSociety Magnet School
A Science and Global Studies MicroSociety Model
Science literacy is big at Webster. It’s world- wide! All “Micro” scientists are evaluated by their ability to articulate and teach the content and skills they learn “on the job.” Tour of the Planet and the Multicultural Museum are popular classroom stops on Market Day. MicroSociety student inventors were also invited to compete at the Connecticut Invention Convention this May. Artifacts from around the world and butterfly gardens drawn to scale are hot items for sale in the “Micro” gift shop. |
Hartford School District, Hartford, CT
Grades: PK - 8
625 students
42% Black
37% Hispanic
21% White
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Watch our video
Florence Griffith Joyner Elementary School
A Government and Citizenship MicroSociety School in a Large Urban School District
San Diego Unified School District, San Diego, CA
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The newly built magnet school has already drawn nearly a hundred students from outside its City Heights neighborhood, pulling students from as far as Clairemont and La Mesa. Three times a week Joyner students snap into a parallel world for an hour. Elected officials gather and discuss taxes and wages. Bank tellers in clip-on ties greet customers. Kindergarteners slip on postal uniforms and deliver mail, collect recycling or track electricity use by sticking metallic stars onto paper "meters" posted at each classroom where the lights and computers are on. Attorneys argue cases in court.
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Grades: K-5
991 students
68% Hispanic
31% Black
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Thoreau Demonstration Academy
A Citizenship, Government and Communications MicroSociety Model in a Middle School
The first middle school in the nation to be awarded Ambassador status by MICROSOCIETY, Thoreau has earned the enthusiastic support of community partners and the endorsement of the state’s Chief School Officer. |
Tulsa Public Schools, Tulsa, Oklahoma
Grades: 6-8
517 students
38% Black
42% White
10% Hispanic
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Watch our video
“Middle school appears to be the ripe time in students’ academic careers for MicroSociety. It is an extremely valuable program in preparing students for a global economy that recognizes individual achievement in terms of innovation, teamwork, critical thinking, cultural adaptability and job flexibility.”
- Sandy Garrett, Oklahoma State Superintendent
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Conestoga Elementary School
An Economics, Financial Literacy, and Entrepreneurship MicroSociety Model in a Large Urban School District
In just one year, students in Pioneersville have tackled some tough issues like drafting a budget, setting tax rates, and approving legislation to help boost the economy. Already an economics and math magnet, Conestoga enables students to apply math skills while developing a strong work ethic and citizenship skills in their MicroSociety program.
Building in Sustainability: Impressed by the school’s success, Wells Fargo Bank, The Federal Reserve, Blue Cross-Blue Shield, Kiwanis, Weis, Mutual Funds, Winners Circle, Union Pacific, and University of Nebraska-Omaha are committed community partners. |
Omaha Public Schools, Omaha, NE
Grades: PK-6
292 students
71% Black
15% Hispanic
13% White
1% Asian/Pacific Islander
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Alexander Elementary MicroSociety School
A Science, Citizenship, and Economics Magnet MicroSociety Model in a Mid-Sized School District
The town of Alexandria, is operated entirely by Pre K-4th grade citizens. For a fee, young scientists will escort you through their Egyptian excavation in full archeological regalia. Recyclers collect used cardboard and Styrofoam for warehouse bargain hunters. "How-To" books explain the month’s science experiments, which have been hot items for sale. Meanwhile pint-sized postal workers pedal by on tricycles to deliver the mail. One 4th grader opened a taxi service for handicapped students. He became so successful, he bought out the competition! |
Jackson-Madison County Public Schools - Jackson, TN
 Grades: PK-4
302 students
87% Black
10% White
3% Hispanic
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“It’s not an add-on program. It brings the real world right into the fabric of the school.”
Rich Cansdale,
Chief Innovation and Choice Officer
San Diego Unified School District
Magnet Schools Assistance Program Award Recipient, 2007 | | |