Mission, Vision, and History

Mission

Wake County Public School System will provide a relevant and engaging education and will graduate students who are collaborative, creative, effective communicators and critical thinkers.

Vision

We foster a creative, inclusive community where every learner thrives through collaborative play, innovative instruction, and strong family and community partnerships. 

History

Powell Magnet Elementary was built in 1964 and was named after Lewis H. Powell Sr., a member of the Raleigh City School Board in the early 1960's. The school is located on 15 acres of land, nestled in the wonderful Lockwood neighborhood (inside the beltline, close to Raleigh Boulevard and New Bern Avenue).

In the 1980's, WCPSS named Powell a Gifted & Talented (GT) Magnet School. In 2016 Powell underwent a magnet theme change. We are now the one and only Center for Play and Ingenuity Magnet Elementary school in the nation! “Powell Magnet Elementary is a gem”, is a comment often made about the school. A relatively small student population (under 400) compared to the large, new elementary schools in the suburbs, and a low student:teacher ratio of 11:1 allows teachers and administration to build lasting relationships with students and parents. Powell families enjoy the small school community feeling.