'Magnet School of Distinction' award goes to Barnard Pacific Rim Magnet

Barnard Elementary in Pacific Beach has been named a "Magnet School of Distinction" by the Magnet Schools of America.

The Barnard Asian Pacific Language Academy, which moved to larger quarters in Pacific Beach this school year, emphasised diversity, a school-wide instructional approach, academic excellence and equity, according to Principal Eddie Park.
In notifying Principal Park of the award, Scott Thomas, Executive Director of Magnet Schools of America, said this year's competition was especially tight, as more than 300 schools submitted applications for awards, a record.

As a result of a more rigorous selection and scoring process, a smaller percentage of schools qualified for "Excellence" and "Distinguished" categories," he said.

Barnard's Mandarin Chinese Program offers students the unique opportunity to learn the Mandarin Chinese language. All students are immersed in Mandarin Chinese during language lessons each day. Students experience the Mandarin Chinese language through art, music, drama and physical education activities. The core subject, which will be taught in English, will be enriched with units of study on Chinese literature, social studies, culture and festivals.

The school now offers dual-immersion programs in Chinese, which it has offered since 2007-08, Korean, which began last school year, and Japanese.

For more information, contact Principal Park at (858) 800-5700.