Each year, U.S. News & World Report evaluates public elementary and middle schools nationwide, assessing their academic achievement through state assessment data. These rankings consider two main factors: students’ proficiency in mathematics and reading and the context of the school’s socioeconomic demographics. Schools excelling in these areas demonstrate an ability to educate all students effectively, making them eligible for recognition.
Schools in the top 40% of their state earn the prestigious U.S. News Best Elementary Schools and/or Best Middle Schools award “badge,” a symbol of educational excellence and achievement.
We are thrilled to announce that seven of our schools have earned badge eligibility for 2025, a testament to their commitment to academic excellence and student success. Please join us in congratulating the following schools and their leadership:
- Desert Meadows School
Principal JP Ketcham
Ranked in the top 40% of all Arizona elementary and middle schools. - Estrella Foothills Global Academy
Principal Erin Lebish
Ranked in the top 40% of all Arizona elementary and middle schools. - Laveen Elementary School
Former Principal Dr. Robert Caplinger and current Principal Melissa Garcia
Ranked in the top 40% of all Arizona elementary and middle schools. - Paseo Pointe Dual Language Academy
Principal Jonathan Rohloff
Ranked in the top 40% of all Arizona elementary schools. - Rogers Ranch STEM Academy
Principal Dr. Kaitlin Gretkierewicz
Ranked in the top 40% of all Arizona elementary and middle schools. - M.C. Cash Elementary School
Principal Nicole Goodwin
Ranked in the top 40% of all Arizona middle schools. - Vista del Sur Accelerated Academy
Principal Jessica Epacs
Special recognition for ranking #24 among all public elementary schools in Arizona and #5 among all public middle schools in Arizona.