In the wild, cobras are alert, aware, adaptable and have a distinctive presence. In Edgewater, there’s a group of Cobras with exactly those characteristics and word is spreading.

In fact, the Central Middle School Cobras now find themselves on the national landscape with the announcement that the STEM magnet school has been named a Nationally Certified Demonstration School by Magnet Schools of America (MSA). The honor recognizes the most exemplary magnet schools in the nation and aims to help them as they continue to grow and provide high-quality, innovative curriculum and instructional programs that promote choice, equity, diversity, and academic excellence for all students.

“This is just an awesome honor for everyone who has helped build the amazing STEM program that exists at our school,” Principal Melissa Pfisterer said. “An accomplishment like this does not happen without incredible students, talented and dedicated staff, supportive families, and a school system that is relentless in its pursuit of excellence. We are incredibly fortunate to have all of those partners working together to support our students and the STEM program here at Central Middle School.”

MSA’s certification process is based on the five pillars of magnet schools – diversity, innovative curriculum and professional development, academic excellence, high-quality instructional systems, and family and community partnerships – the National Magnet School Standards of Excellence. These standards define the essential elements and characteristics of high-quality magnet programs.

Central is one of three STEM middle schools in Anne Arundel County Public Schools.