2026 America's Best Schools
Award Winners
Cerritos High School
ENROLLMENT: 1951
Dewey Elementary School
Dewey Elementary School has created a joyful, student-centered environment where academic growth and social-emotional well-being are equally prioritized. Serving a large population of military-connected families, the school intentionally honors service while fostering belonging through strong family partnerships, schoolwide traditions, and a culture of care that ensures students feel supported and valued. Through counseling services, community resources, and leadership development opportunities rooted in the Leader in Me framework, Dewey empowers students to build confidence, resilience, and lifelong leadership skills.
Dewey Elementary pairs this supportive foundation with a commitment to high-quality instruction and equitable access to opportunity. Students engage in rigorous learning through STEAM education, one-to-one technology, and targeted academic supports designed to meet individual needs, while teachers use collaboration, data, and ongoing reflection to continuously improve outcomes. Inclusive practices, strong intervention systems, and a focus on the whole child have contributed to academic growth across student groups and recognitions such as the California Purple Star School designation. The result is a thriving school community where care, innovation, and high expectations come together to help every student succeed.
ENROLLMENT: 244
Dr. Albert Schweitzer
Leadership Academy
Dr. Albert Schweitzer Leadership Academy has cultivated a high-performing culture where leadership, academic excellence, and student well-being are deeply connected. Guided by the Leader in Me framework, students are empowered to take ownership of their learning, set goals, and develop the habits needed to succeed in school and beyond. Leadership is woven into everyday experiences through student-led initiatives, service opportunities, and a shared commitment to responsibility, collaboration, and growth, ensuring every student is seen as both a learner and a leader.
The school pairs this culture of empowerment with rigorous, research-based instruction designed to support all learners, including English learners and students with disabilities. Through strong writing initiatives, continuous data analysis, targeted interventions, and collaborative teaching practices, educators respond to student needs while celebrating progress and achievement. Family engagement, instructional coaching, and a commitment to continuous improvement further strengthen outcomes, contributing to notable academic growth and national recognition. The result is a thriving school community where high expectations, meaningful support, and leadership development prepare students for lifelong success.
ENROLLMENT: 524
Dr. Jonas E. Salk School
Dr. Jonas E. Salk School has built a welcoming, high-performing environment where strong relationships, inclusivity, and academic excellence help every student thrive. Guided by the HAWKS motto—Have respect, Act responsibly, Work together, Keep safe, Soar to success—the school fosters a culture of pride, belonging, and shared responsibility that is reflected in daily interactions, school celebrations, and recognition of student growth and achievement. This supportive climate ensures all learners, including students with disabilities, are embraced as valued members of the school community.
Dr. Jonas E. Salk School pairs this culture of care with rigorous, standards-based instruction designed to challenge and support every student. Through research-based teaching practices, collaborative learning, targeted interventions, and ongoing analysis of student progress, educators create engaging classrooms where students confidently communicate, solve problems, and take ownership of their learning. Inclusive supports, social-emotional resources, and strong professional collaboration further strengthen outcomes, resulting in a school community where high expectations and meaningful support empower students to truly soar to success.
ENROLLMENT: 658
Garfield Elementary School
Garfield Elementary School has created a student-centered culture where safety, belonging, and high expectations form the foundation for success. The school is intentional about ensuring every child feels seen, supported, and connected, responding thoughtfully to student feedback and continuously strengthening systems that promote trust, inclusion, and well-being. Strong collaboration among staff, families, and students has helped cultivate a positive school climate where relationships matter and every learner is encouraged to thrive.
Garfield Elementary pairs this supportive environment with rigorous, standards-based instruction designed to accelerate growth for all students. Through early assessments, targeted interventions, embedded writing across content areas, and engaging classroom practices, educators provide timely support while maintaining high academic expectations. Data-driven decision making and specialized programs, including Reading Recovery, ensure instruction remains responsive to student needs. These efforts have contributed to exceptional outcomes and distinguished recognitions, including designation as a National Blue Ribbon School and California Distinguished School, reflecting a school community where care, excellence, and opportunity drive lasting student success.
ENROLLMENT: 312
Harmony School of Excellence El Paso
ENROLLMENT: 684
Harmony School of Innovation Katy
Harmony School of Innovation Katy has created a high-performing learning environment where academic excellence, character development, and student leadership are central to the school experience. Recognized as a National School of Character, the campus fosters a culture of belonging, safety, and respect, empowering students to lead through organizations, service opportunities, and programs that amplify student voice. This strong culture extends to staff, where collaboration, support, and a shared commitment to excellence contribute to a thriving professional community focused on student success.
Harmony School of Innovation Katy pairs this supportive climate with rigorous, college- and career-focused learning opportunities designed to prepare students for life beyond graduation. Through extensive Advanced Placement offerings, dual credit courses, and Career and Technical Education pathways, students engage in challenging coursework connected to real-world application. Continuous assessment, targeted support, collaborative planning, and ongoing instructional feedback ensure teaching remains responsive to student needs while maintaining high expectations for achievement. These efforts have produced strong academic outcomes, college readiness success, and industry certifications, reflecting a school community where students are empowered to excel academically, lead with character, and pursue ambitious futures.
ENROLLMENT: 929
Nye Elementary School
Nye Elementary School has cultivated a collaborative, equity-centered culture where belonging, inclusion, and high expectations shape the daily experience for students and families. Through restorative practices, social-emotional learning, and trauma-informed supports, the school ensures students feel safe, valued, and empowered to succeed. Strong relationships and shared leadership create a welcoming environment where every learner is encouraged to grow academically, socially, and emotionally.
Nye Elementary pairs this supportive foundation with rigorous, standards-based instruction designed to challenge all students while providing meaningful support when needed. Teachers emphasize critical thinking, academic discourse, and real-world application, maintaining high expectations for English learners and students with special needs through intentional scaffolds and targeted interventions. Collaborative Professional Learning Communities, ongoing data analysis, and strong family partnerships further strengthen outcomes and continuous improvement efforts. These practices have contributed to distinguished recognitions, including California Distinguished School status, as well as improved attendance and strong achievement across student groups, reflecting a school community committed to excellence for every learner.
ENROLLMENT: 375
P.S. 249, The Caton School
P.S. 249 The Caton School has built a nationally recognized culture where care, belonging, and high expectations empower every student to succeed. Through intentional social-emotional supports, positive behavior systems, and culturally affirming practices, students experience school as a safe and welcoming environment where they are encouraged to lead, grow, and take ownership of their learning. Strong family partnerships and a shared commitment to student success further reinforce a community grounded in trust, collaboration, and collective responsibility.
The Caton School pairs this supportive culture with rigorous, research-based instruction designed to meet the needs of all learners. Teachers continuously refine practice through collaborative data cycles, targeted interventions, and differentiated instruction, ensuring students receive both support and opportunities for acceleration. Students actively engage in goal setting, problem solving, discourse, and authentic learning experiences that deepen understanding across subjects. These efforts have produced sustained academic growth and equitable outcomes across student groups, earning prestigious recognitions including National Blue Ribbon School status and the NCUST America’s Best Schools Award. The result is a joyful, high-performing learning community where excellence is expected, nurtured, and achieved.
ENROLLMENT: 663
Renaissance Charter School
at West Palm Beach
Renaissance Charter School at West Palm Beach has created a high-performing, leadership-driven culture where every scholar is empowered to take ownership of their learning and future. As Florida’s only Title I Academic Lighthouse School through the Leader in Me program, students actively develop leadership skills through goal setting, service opportunities, and meaningful roles that reinforce responsibility, collaboration, and growth. A deeply rooted culture of belonging, paired with strong staff retention and satisfaction, creates a stable environment where high expectations and student success remain central to daily practice.
The school pairs this leadership culture with rigorous, data-informed instruction designed to meet the needs of every learner. Through targeted interventions, accelerated learning opportunities, specialized supports, and continuous analysis of student progress, educators ensure scholars receive both challenge and individualized support. Ongoing professional learning strengthens instructional quality, while enrichment programs and celebrations of achievement reinforce motivation and engagement. These efforts have produced exceptional outcomes, including sustained top performance among Title I schools, years of A ratings, and achievement levels well above state averages, reflecting a school community where leadership, excellence, and opportunity drive extraordinary student success.
ENROLLMENT: 1,003
Sequoia Elementary School
Sequoia Elementary School has cultivated a nurturing learning environment where students and staff consistently feel safe, supported, and valued. Strong relationships, positive school culture, and intentional social-emotional supports help students build confidence, resilience, and a sense of belonging. Through restorative practices, leadership recognition programs, and a deep commitment to celebrating growth and contribution, Sequoia fosters a community where every child is encouraged to thrive both personally and academically.
Sequoia Elementary pairs this supportive culture with rigorous, standards-based instruction designed to ensure success for all learners. Teachers use differentiated strategies, targeted small-group instruction, and ongoing assessment to respond to student needs while maintaining high expectations for achievement. A collaborative approach to monitoring progress and refining instruction has contributed to notable growth in literacy and mathematics since the pandemic, along with recognition for improving outcomes across student groups. The result is a school community where care, consistency, and academic excellence come together to help every student reach their full potential.
ENROLLMENT: 179
Stephen C. Foster Elementary School
Stephen C. Foster Elementary School has built a vibrant, inclusive community where students feel valued, supported, and inspired to succeed. A strong sense of belonging is woven throughout the school culture as staff honor students’ identities and experiences while fostering high expectations for learning, behavior, and leadership. Deep family connections, multigenerational involvement, and a commitment to celebrating student growth create an environment where relationships thrive, and every child is encouraged to see their potential.
Foster Elementary pairs this culture of care with rigorous, engaging instruction designed to challenge and support all learners. Through project-based learning, writing across disciplines, arts integration, AVID strategies, and data-informed teaching practices, students develop critical thinking, collaboration, and college and career readiness skills. Ongoing interventions, enrichment opportunities, and collaborative Professional Learning Communities ensure instruction remains responsive to student needs while maintaining high expectations. These efforts have contributed to sustained academic growth and multiple recognitions, reflecting a school community where equity, excellence, and pride come together to empower every learner.
ENROLLMENT: 397
Thigpen-Zavala Elementary School
Thigpen-Zavala Elementary School has cultivated a high-performing, student-centered environment where strong relationships, cultural pride, and shared purpose create lasting success. A defining strength of the campus is its stable and collaborative staff culture, where educators are supported through professional learning, recognition, and collective ownership of student outcomes. This positive environment extends to students and families, fostering a sense of belonging that has strengthened engagement and encouraged families to remain connected to the school community.
Thigpen-Zavala Elementary pairs this culture of support with rigorous, data-informed instruction designed to ensure growth for every learner. Through targeted intervention and enrichment blocks, individualized supports, project-based learning, and ongoing progress monitoring, students are empowered to take ownership of their achievement while engaging in grade-level rigor. Collaborative planning, strong instructional practices, and continuous refinement of teaching strategies have contributed to sustained academic growth, four consecutive A ratings from the Texas Education Agency, and repeated distinctions for achievement and closing learning gaps. The result is a thriving school community where high expectations, innovation, and care work together to help every student excel.
