[7][8] The school has been described as exemplifying "a progressive commitment to recapturing traditional excellence and incorporating innovative approaches into the educational process".

Students must meet criteria in order to be accepted into either of the magnets offered, forensic science and fine arts and global studies.

[9] The Global Academy, established in 2000-01, is an innovative academic program for all incoming 6th, 7th, and 8th graders.

The program combines mandatory courses in mathematics, language arts, science, and geography.

Coursework is cross-cutting and environmental in nature; it links and relates the subjects.