Building Hope

At Lean Elementary, students from low-income backgrounds and English learners demonstrated growth above the state average in both ELA and Math for three straight years. Lean Elementary stands out with its intentional language support and instruction, dedication to its school community and attention to celebrating diverse communities.  Employing culturally- and linguistically-affirming instructional practices, the school librarian makes a special point of having books with diverse characters in them so students see themselves and know they matter. A strong collaborative relationship between classroom teachers, EL teachers and Title I teachers helps build in success.

Challenger Elementary stands out due to its focus on supportive, welcoming relationships with students and parents. The school’s Black students, English learners and students from low-income backgrounds all demonstrated growth above the state averages in both ELA and Math for three straight years. The principal sets a welcoming tone from the time students arrive with her energy, excitement and enthusiasm. Progress is monitored regularly to help identify gaps in students’ learning and how to push those already meeting grade-level standards. Teaching grade-level standards to all students and providing support where needed are strategies that help Challenger’s students progress.

At Clara Bolen Elementary, students from low-income backgrounds demonstrated above average academic proficiency rates in both ELA and Math for three consecutive years. The school has an intentional focus on small-group instruction to meet student needs, and it serves as an intentional center of community in its town. Receiving special services is not a stigma because everyone receives special attention. All students—based on assessments—are pulled out or grouped into small groups for instruction daily either with their own teacher or Title I instructor. Teachers then use the ongoing student assessments to tailor their instruction to students’ needs, whether it’s providing more focused guidance in the classroom or pulling the students into small group for more intimate instruction.

At Walton Charter Academy, Latino students and English learners demonstrated growth above the state average in both ELA and Math for three consecutive years. Walton Charter Academy also stands out for its intentional outreach to the Latino community. The school makes a concerted effort to engage parents, helping to make non-native English-speaking parents feel comfortable and competent in the school. A teacher and a para-professional are assigned to every K-2 classroom, helping to ensure students have a strong foundation from the early grades.

Vista Charter Academy’s English learners demonstrated growth above the state average in both ELA and Math for three consecutive years. Vista stands out for its teachers’ attention to English learners’ needs in classroom instruction. A strong EL staff helps ensure students are progressing. Students learn early to monitor their own progress through frequent assessments, either weekly or bi-weekly.  Even kindergarteners mark their progress. When students are keeping track, they’re more invested in their success, the principal says.