Diggs-Latham is an A+ Magnet School. This means…. We hold to the 8 Essentials of the A+ Program and focus on integration between core and encore teachers, but as a Magnet School, we have extra opportunities for students to develop their “curiosities and talents” in clubs and extra Encore/Special classes. In Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools, schools that have Magnet Programs focus on such themes as STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math,) International Studies, International Baccalaureate (IB,) Visual and Performing Arts, and Multiple Intelligences. So, an A+ School focuses solely on the Arts and Art Integration, but a Magnet School could have several different themes; Diggs-Latham happens to be an Arts Magnet. Parents and students from all over the county may apply to attend our Magnet Program. Of course we are a public school that follows the North Carolina Common Core Curriculum and have the same testing and grading requirements as other schools. However, our students also show their learning progress through performances, presentations, and exhibits, and we have a full“Arts Team” and offer such Specials as Art, Orchestra, Band, Dance, Drama, PE, and Technology. In an A+ School, not only do Specialist Teacher focus on the Arts and integrate Core Curriculum, but the Core, classroom teachers integrate the Arts as well. Classroom teachers have been trained in integration and the A+ essentials and philosophies. We have an A+ Coordinator who has direct communication with the A+ Program Director, attends conferences and training, and “tweets” with the A+ Program and other A+ schools.
