Horne applauds two Arizona Distinguished Schools

Nationally Recognized for Academic Achievement

PHOENIX - The Arizona Department of Education has selected Ed Pastor Elementary School in Yuma and Tsaile Elementary School in Chinle as National Distinguished Schools for the State of Arizona.

The National Association of ESEA State Program Administrators (NAESPA) has been recognizing high achieving, federally funded schools through the National ESEA Distinguished Schools program since 1996. This program celebrates schools nationwide that have made significant academic progress by effectively utilizing Title I federal funds to enhance student educational outcomes.

Horne stated, “I want to offer my congratulations to these two schools for their dedication to academic excellence. The educators and students have done a great job taking their education seriously and making the gains that are needed to earn this distinction, and they should be proud of their efforts.”

Each year, the program highlights the success of schools in one of three categories:

· Category 1: Exceptional student performance and academic growth

· Category 2: Closing the achievement gap between student groups

· Category 3: Excellence in serving special education populations of students such as homeless, migrant, English learners, among others.

Ed Pastor Elementary School is a is a Category 3 winner and Tsaile Elementary School is a Category 2 winner. Both have demonstrated extraordinary success in improving student achievement and closing the achievement gap. Both schools will receive a check for $10,000, a digital package, and statewide recognition on the Arizona Department of Education Distinguished Schools website.

More information about the National ESEA Distinguished Schools program, including the 2024 honorees, is available on the ESEA Network website: www.ESEAnetwork.org/ds.