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(Photo by Ralph Palumbo)
The nonprofit, tuition-free public charter school promises a well-rounded, college-preparatory curriculum emphasizing STEAM.
Magnolia Science Academy started as a single school serving a diverse population in Los Angeles in 2002. Today it has grown into a robust network of 10 STEAM-focused charter schools across Southern California, including four campuses opening in Orange County over the next four years.
“Our campuses will be a vibrant hub of STEAM innovation, social-emotional learning and project-based instruction — a place where curiosity is nurtured, talents are discovered, and purpose is ignited,” said Maria Czerner-Rowell, Ed. D, founding MSA-OC principal. “At Magnolia Science Academy — Orange County, we’re designing a learning environment that reflects the needs and strengths of our community, with a clear focus on academic excellence, equity and holistic development. We are building a school community that prioritizes academic excellence, equity and real-world learning. The goal is to prepare students not just for college — but for life.”
The new Anaheim location opens Aug. 11 for the first day of school for grades transitional kindergarten through sixth, under the new Orange County Countywide Benefit Charter Authorization. A second campus in the Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District, located with Esperanza High School also in Anaheim, begins instruction on Aug. 26 with grades traditional kindergarten through second. Czerner-Rowell said the other two campuses are scheduled to open in the near future in surrounding communities of south Orange County, offering high-quality educational options for families throughout the area. All will become TK-12 campuses eventually — by adding an additional grade level each year.
“Our vision extends beyond traditional test scores. We are preparing students not just for college — but for life, in a rapidly changing world,” Czerner-Rowell said. “That means building strong foundations in science, technology, engineering, the arts and math (STEAM) while also teaching critical skills like collaboration, empathy, communication and leadership. Every unit of study, every classroom experience and every community partnership is thoughtfully designed to support the whole child.
We are embedding project-based learning (PBL) across grade levels, allowing students to explore meaningful questions, connect with real-world issues and showcase their learning through public exhibitions and student-led initiatives. Whether it’s launching a coding project, designing a sustainable garden or solving local community challenges, our students will have opportunities to apply their knowledge in powerful, practical ways.”
She said they are also investing in social-emotional learning (SEL) and mental health supports to create a safe, inclusive and culturally responsive space where students can build strong relationships, manage emotions and grow into confident, self-aware individuals. They are also prioritizing family and community engagement —from parent workshops and volunteer opportunities to partnerships with local businesses and nonprofits.
“We see families as essential co-educators in this journey,” she said. “We want our school to be a center of community activity, advocacy and growth.”
She said families can expect a well-rounded, college-preparatory curriculum that emphasizes STEAM while also weaving in deep instruction in literacy, social sciences and civic engagement.
She said that beyond the classroom, they offer a wide range of extracurricular opportunities to make sure students grow not only as scholars, but as artists, athletes, leaders and change-makers.
“And perhaps one of the most important things to know: Everything we offer is 100 percent free of charge,” she said. “As a nonprofit, tuition-free public charter school, we are committed to removing financial barriers and ensuring that every family, regardless of income, has access to a high-quality, engaging and equitable education.”
Czerner-Rowell said she herself is a product of Anaheim’s public school system and knows the power of strong teachers, caring mentors and high expectations.
“I attended neighborhood schools just minutes from where Magnolia Science Academy Orange County is now opening, and I carry those formative experiences with me every day,” she said. “My educational journey was shaped by passionate educators who saw potential in me and pushed me to lead, even when the odds didn’t always favor students like me.
“At the same time, I also witnessed the deep inequities that often exist within school systems — gaps in resources, access and representation. That awareness sparked my commitment to educational justice and inspired my path into charter leadership. Over the past 17 years, I’ve worked to redesign systems to be more inclusive, equitable and student-centered, ensuring that every child, regardless of background, receives a high-quality education.”
Magnolia Science Academy — Orange County is hosting open houses on Saturdays during July and August from 11 am-1 pm. Visit the website for more information: https://msaoc.magnoliapublicschools.org
By Jessica Peralta
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