Magic City Acceptance Academy highlighted in The New York Times

Birmingham’s renowned charter school, Magic City Acceptance Academy, is making national news. Keep reading to see what The New York Times had to say about the ground-breaking school.

Magic City Acceptance Academy

The Magic City Acceptance Academy (MCAA) is a one-of-a-kind LGBTQ-affirming charter school located in Homewood. Working with the Birmingham AIDS Outreach and Magic City Acceptance Center, MCAA supports students of all genders and races, making a particular effort to affirm LGBTQ students. 

The school accepts and supports children of all genders and races, but makes a particular effort to affirm LGBTQ students. MCAA is connected to an organization called Birmingham AIDS Outreach, which also runs a medical center that serves many LGBTQ patients.

Students at the Academy learn without lockers, physical textbooks or even a bell. They learn on laptops provided by the school and know class is over from the sound of a xylophone over the loudspeaker. Restrooms are gender-neutral, single-occupancy and handicap accessible.

Making news

Magic City Acceptance Academy is not just unique in Birmingham—it is one of the first of its kind in the entire country. The school is breaking all kinds of barriers.

The New York Times recognized the work that Magic City Acceptance Academy is doing amid political controversy, and highlighted how the school is preparing students academically as the school’s first year comes to an end and what’s to come in the future.

The school plans to add Mandarin courses next academic year in addition to this year’s Spanish and French and hopes to later offer Advanced Placement or dual enrollment classes as well. According to Principal Wilson, the student body is expected to grow to about 350 next year.

Just like any other school, students are focused on keeping up their grades and planning their future. MCAA is full of incredible leaders and teachers who are preparing their students to move on, which for many students, will mean leaving the first school environment that feels safe.

A bright future

Magic City Acceptance Academy continues to create a community where students are empowered to embrace education, achieve individual success and take ownership of their future. It’s safe to say this probably won’t be the last time their impactful work gains national recognition. 😉

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