The 10 Most Admired School Districts by theeducationmagazine

Districts Deﬁning the Future of Education!

DearReaders,

Theworldofeducationisevolvingfasterthaneverbefore.Inanagewhereknowledgedoublesatunprecedented speed,schoolsystemsarechallengedtomovebeyondtraditionalcurriculaandembraceapproachesthatprepare studentsforafuturedeﬁnedbyinnovation,diversity,andglobalinterconnection.

Classroomsarenolongerlimitedtotextbooksandchalkboards;theyarehubsofdigitallearning,cultural exchange,andskillsdevelopmentthatextendfarbeyondacademicperformance.Forschooldistricts,the responsibilityisnotjusttoeducate,buttoequipstudentswiththeresilience,creativity,andcriticalthinking necessarytothriveinaconstantlyshiftinglandscape.

Thisedition, “The 10 Most Admired School Districts,” celebratesthosedistrictsthathaverisentothechallenge. Theyareinstitutionsthatunderstandeducationasalivingsystem—onethatmustadapttotheneedsofits communitywhilekeepinganeyeﬁrmlyonthefuture.Theirleadership,innovation,andinclusivityarenotjust preparingstudentsforexamsbutshapingcitizenswhowilldeﬁnetomorrow.

Attheheartofthisissueisourcoverstory:HokeCountySchools,NorthCarolina.Thereisauniquecharacter tothelandinHokeCounty,aplacecarvedfromthehistoricboundariesofCumberlandandRobesonCounties backin1911.ThesoiloftheSandhillscarriesstoriesofagriculture,militarylife,andenduringcommunity.For morethanacentury,HokeCountySchoolshasbeenentrustedwithnurturingtheregion'smostvaluable resource—itschildren.

ToseethedistricttodayistowitnessareﬂectionofAmerica'sbroadertransformation.Oncethreeseparate entities,HokeCountySchoolshasgrownintoauniﬁedsystemof14schools,servingarichlydiversestudent body.Itismorethananacademicinstitution;itisalivingmeetinggroundofcultures,wherechildrenof establishedfamilieslearnalongsidenewcomers,andwherethenarrativeofthecommunity'sfutureisbeing writteneveryday.

AlongsideHokeCountySchools,thisissuealsospotlightsLadueSchoolDistrict,IrvineUniﬁedSchool District,SyossetCentralSchoolDistrict,andSanDieguitoUnionHighSchoolDistrict—eachexemplifying excellenceandvisionineducation.

HappyReading!

Pankaj Gholap

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Cover Story

10 Hoke County Schools

CoverStory

In a quiet corner of North Carolina, Hoke County Schools is engaged in one of the most vital and complex tasks in America today: educating a profoundly diverse and rapidly changing student body It’s a story of more than just education; it’s about becoming the trusted hub of a community, fostering inclusion, and building bespoke pathways to success for every single child.

ThereisauniquecharactertothelandinHokeCounty, NorthCarolina.It’saplacecarvedfromthehistoric boundariesofCumberlandandRobesonCountiesbackin 1911,aplacewherethesoiloftheSandhillsholdsstories ofagriculture,militarylife,andenduringcommunity.In thislandscapeoflongleafpinesandquietstrength,Hoke CountySchoolshas,foroveracentury,beenthe institutionchargedwithcultivatingtheregion’smost preciousresource: its children

TolookatHokeCountySchoolstodayistoseea microcosmofachangingAmerica.Itisadistrictthat beganasthreeseparateentitiesandhassinceevolvedinto auniﬁedsystemof14schools,servingadynamictapestry offacesandbackgrounds.Thisisnotjustaplacewhere childrenlearnreadingandarithmetic;itisaplacewhere diﬀerentculturesmeetandmerge,wherethechildrenof long-settledfamiliessitbesidenewcomers,andwherethe futureoftheentirecommunityisbeingwritteninrealtime.

UndertheleadershipofitsSuperintendent,Dr.Kenneth Spells,thedistrictisonamission.Itisamissiondeﬁned byaclear-eyedvision:tobea“trustedcommunity partner”thatprovidesan“inclusiveandsupportive environment.”Thisisn’tthehollowlanguageofa corporatememo;inHokeCounty,itisadailypractice. It’sapracticevisibleinthediverseacademicpathways designedforastudentbodyofover8,500,intherobust networkofcommunitypartnershipsthattreattheschool asavitalhub,andintheambitionofaleaderwhois determinedtomakethisadestinationdistrictforstudents andteachersalike.Thisisthestoryofhowoneschool districtisnotjustrespondingtochange,butharnessingit tobuildamoreresilientandfuture-readygeneration.

ATapestryofFaces,AUniﬁedMission

HokeCountySchoolsisdedicatedtomeetingstudents wheretheyare,providingtargetedsupportandresources thatreﬂecttheuniquebackgrounds,needs,andstrengths ofitsdiversestudentpopulation.

TounderstandtheworkbeingdoneinHokeCounty,itis essentialtorecognizethecommunityitserves.Thestudent bodyrepresentsarichandevolvingdemographicmosaic. HokeCountyisadiverseanddynamiccommunity,hometo variousdemographicgroups,includingagrowingHispanic populationthatenrichesitsschoolsandneighborhoods.

LocatednearFortBragg—thelargestmilitarybaseinthe nationbypopulation—HokeCountyproudlyservesa studentbodyinwhichapproximately33%areconnectedto themilitary Thisuniquedemographicbringsbothstrengths andchallenges,suchasfrequentschooltransitionsandthe emotionalimpactofdeployments.

HokeCountySchoolsisdeeplycommittedtosupportingthe educationalcontinuity,stability,andwell-beingofallits students,especiallythosenavigatingthecomplexitiesof militarylife.Thisiswherethedistrict’smissionto “foster high expectations for all stakeholders, promote lifelong learning, and provide individualized support” comestolife. StrategiesliketheMulti-TieredSystemofSupports (MTSS)andtheTIPS(TeamInitiatedProblemSolving) frameworkareinplacetoidentifyandaddressacademicand behavioralneedsearly.

Moreover,culturallyresponsiveteaching,supportedby bilingualstaﬀandfamilyengagementevents,ensuresthat everystudent’sbackgroundisnotjustacknowledgedbut valuedasanasset.It’saholisticapproach,recognizingthat astudent’ssuccessisintrinsicallylinkedtotheirsenseof belonging.

ThePromiseofaPathway

InHokeCountySchools,theeducationaljourneyisnota one-size-fits-allproposition.Itisacarefullycuratedmenuof opportunitiesdesignedtopreparestudentsforaworldthat demandsspecialization,flexibility,andreal-worldskills.The academicofferingsareatestamenttothedistrict’sfocuson personalizedlearningandcareerreadiness.

Foracademicallyandintellectuallygifted(AIG)students, therearespecializedservicestochallengeandinspirethem. Forthosewithaneyeonaspecificcareer,theCareerand TechnicalEducation(CTE)programsofferrobust pathwaysthatcanleadtointernships,apprenticeships,and valuableindustry-recognizedcredentials.Studentscanbe foundjob-shadowingwithlocalemployersorearning certificationsbeforetheyevengraduate.Thedistrict’s annualStudentJobFairisamajorevent,atangiblebridge connectingstudentsdirectlytothelocaleconomy

CoverStory

Coreinstructionisreinforcedwithpowerfultoolslike toi-Ready supportpersonalizedlearningpaths,andhighachieversarerecognized withdesignationslike and NCScholar Latinhonors

Oneofthedistrict smostinnovativeoﬀeringsisits ’ DualLanguage Immersionprogram,wherestudentslearninbothEnglishand Spanish,creatingagenerationofbilingualandbiliteratecitizens.For highschoolerslookingtogetaheadstart,theopportunitiesare exceptional. allowsthemto TheCareer&CollegePromiseprogram earncollegecreditsforfreewhilestillinhighschool,andthe acclaimed providesarigorous, SandHokeEarlyCollegeHighSchool supportiveenvironmentwherestudentscanearnahighschooldiploma andanassociate sdegreesimultaneously.Thesediverseandpowerful ’ pathwaysensurethatwhetherastudentiscollege-bound,careerfocused,orboth,theyleaveHokeCountySchoolswithaclearplan andthetoolsforsuccess.

MoreThanaSchool,ACommunityHub

Thebeliefthatthedistrictmustbea is “trusted community partner” wovenintoeveryaspectofitsoperations.TheschoolsinHokeCounty arenotisolatedislandsoflearning;theyarebustlingcommunityhubs, fortiﬁedbyawebofstrategicpartnerships.Thisworkbeginsbefore studentsevenenterkindergarten,throughcollaborationswithSmart StartandHeadStartthatbuildastrongfoundationforschool readiness.

Safetyandpositiveengagementareparamount,amissionsupportedby astrongpartnershipwiththe , HokeCountySheriff’sDepartment whichprovidesdedicatedSchoolResourceOfficers(SROs)forthe campuses.Theconnectiontothecommunityextendstohealthand recreation,with offeringathletic HokeCountyParksandRecreation programsandusingschoolgroundsforbelovedcommunityeventslike the and Autism Walk Breakfast with Santa

Thenetworkofsupportisvast,includingvitalcollaborationswiththe DepartmentofSocialServices(DSS) DepartmentofHealth ,the andHumanServices(DHHS),localhospitals,andcivicorganizations likethe , ,andthe Kiwanis Club the Knights of Columbus Chamber of Commerce Thesepartnerscontributeeverythingfromstudentsupport servicestorecognitionforstudentachievement,creatingapowerful ecosystemdedicatedtothewell-beingofeverychildandfamily

Thissenseofcommunityandsharedpurposeisalsoreflectedinthe vibrantextracurricularlifeofthedistrict.Acrossitstraditionalhigh school,threefeedermiddleschools,andEarlyCollege,thedistrict fieldsanimpressive68competitiveathleticteamsinsportslike football,volleyball,andbasketball.Beyondsports,enrichment programsliketheArmyJROTC,Robotics,MarchingBand,Speech andDebate,BattleoftheBooks,eSports,andTheatreofferaplacefor everypassion.

Our district wants all students to be successful and reach for the stars

Studentsalsodevelopleadershipskillsinclubs suchastheBetaClub,NationalHonorSociety (NHS),HOSA,andStudentGovernment,often competingandwinningatregional,state,and nationallevels.

TheHeartofaLeader

Thedrivingforcebehindthisambitiousvision is Aself- SuperintendentDr.KennethSpells describedservantleader,hisphilosophyis clearanddirect: “I lead from the front. I am committed to improving student achievement.” Hisgoalisnotjusttomaintainthestatusquo, buttoelevatetheentiredistrict. “I want to make this the best school district in North Carolina,” “I want hestateswithconviction. to make this a destination district for students and teachers.”

Thisambitionisbackedbyaclearplanforthe future.Dr.SpellsisfocusedonaddingaCEO programwithacorporateboardcomponent, aninitiativedesignedtogivestudentshighlevelbusinessandleadershipexperience.He alsoplanstoexpandthedistrict sforeign ’ languageoﬀerings,furtherpreparingstudents foraglobalizedworld.

Hismessagetothecommunityisoneof limitlesspotentialandsharedresponsibility. “Our district wants all students to be successful and reach for the stars,” hesays. It samessagebuiltonthefoundationalbelief ’ thatservesasthedistrict'smotto: “Knowledge is Power!”

Thisphilosophypermeatestheentire leadershipstructure,fromtheBoardof Educationprovidinggovernancetothe essentialdepartments,suchasTransportation, ChildNutrition,Maintenance,Human Resources,andFinance.Itisamassive, coordinatedeﬀort,allsingularlyfocusedon creatinganenvironmentwherestudentscan thrive.ForHokeCountySchools,thefutureis notsomethingtobepassivelyawaited.Itis somethingtobeactivelyandinclusivelybuilt, onestudentatatime.

Intoday’sdynamiceconomicenvironment, businessesthriveinregionsthatfosterinnovation andcultivateahighlyskilledworkforce.For companiesconsideringlocationorexpansioninSouthern California,thequalityoflocalschoolsisaparamount factorinattractingandretainingtalent.TheIrvine UniﬁedSchoolDistrict(IUSD),servingthecityofIrvine inOrangeCounty,standsoutasapremierinstitution consistentlydeliveringexceptionaleducationaloutcomes andcontributingsigniﬁcantlytotheregion’stalent pipeline.

Establishedin1972,IUSDhasrapidlygrownintoa nationallyrecognizeddistrictrenownedforits commitmenttoacademicexcellence,innovation,and inclusivity.Despiteservingalargeanddiversestudent population,IUSDhasmaintainedasteadfastfocuson providingaworld-classeducationthatpreparesstudents forsuccessinhighereducationandthecompetitiveglobal marketplace.UndertheleadershipofSuperintendentTerry Walker,thedistrictcontinuestoevolve,implementing forward-thinkingprogramsthatinspirecreativity,critical thinking,andapassionforlifelonglearning–qualities highlyvaluedbybusinessestoday

BuildingaFoundationforFutureLeaders& Workforce

IUSD’sreputationforexcellenceissubstantiatedby consistentaccoladesandhighrankings,routinely recognizedasthe#1schooldistrictinOrangeCountyand amongthetopnationally Theserankingsareastrong indicatorofadistricteffectivelypreparingfuture employeesandleaders.IUSDboastsimpressivemetrics includinghighstandardizedtestscores,graduationrates exceeding[SpecificIUSDGraduationRatePercentageif availablefromsearch],andasignificantpercentageof graduatespursuinghighereducation.Forbusinesses,this translatestoareliablesourceofhighlyqualifiedfuture employeesenteringthelocalworkforce.

IUSD’scommitmenttoinnovationisevidentinits proactiveapproachtoeducationanditsdiverseprogram oﬀerings.Thedistrictprovidesacomprehensiverangeof programs,including:

●EarlyChildhoodLearningPrograms:Astrong foundationisbuiltthroughPreschool,Pre-Kindergarten (TK),andKindergartenprogramsdesignedtoenhance social,emotional,cognitive,andphysicaldevelopment, ensuringschoolreadiness.

●STEMEducation:IUSDprioritizesSTEM(Science, Technology,Engineering,andMathematics)educationfrom anearlyage,recognizingthecriticalimportanceofthese ﬁeldsforfutureeconomicgrowth.Thisincludesspecialized STEMprogramsandInnovationLabsineachschool.

●CareerTechnicalEducation(CTE):IUSDoﬀers extensiveCTEpathwaysinmiddleandhighschools, providinghands-onlearningandcareerexplorationin growingindustrieslikeInformationTechnology, Healthcare,Engineering,DigitalMedia,andmore.These pathwaysaredesignedtoalignwithregionalindustryneeds andpreparestudentsforbothcollegeanddirectentryinto theworkforce.

●ArtsandLanguagePrograms:Recognizingthe importanceofwell-roundedindividuals,IUSDalso providesrobustprogramsinVisualandPerformingArts (VAPA)andWorldLanguages,fosteringcreativity,cultural understanding,andcommunicationskills.

MeetingtheNeedsofaDiverseWorkforce&Global Economy

Businessesintoday’sglobalizedeconomyvaluediversity andinclusion.IUSDmirrorsthisvalue,servingahighly diversestudentbodythatreflectstheglobalmarketplace. Irvine’sstudentpopulationincludesasignificant representationfromAsian,Hispanic/Latino,andother diversecommunities.Thisdiversityisactivelycelebrated andsupportedthroughinclusivepracticesandprograms liketheDualLanguageImmersionprogram,preparing studentstothriveindiverseworkplacesandcollaborate effectivelywithindividualsfromvariousbackgrounds.

IUSD’scommitmenttoinclusivityextendstoitssupport systems.Thedistrictoﬀersspecializedprogramstomeet thediverseneedsofitslearners,includingrobustspecial educationservices,giftedandtalentedprograms,and EnglishLanguageLearnersupport.Thiscomprehensive approachensuresthatallstudents,regardlessoftheir backgroundorlearningstyle,havetheopportunitytoreach theirfullpotentialandcontributetoadiverseanddynamic workforce.

TheIUSDAdvantage:ATalentPipelineforBusiness Success

ForbusinessesconsideringlocatingorexpandinginOrange County,IUSDpresentsasigniﬁcantadvantagebyproviding arobusttalentpipeline.Thedistrict’sfocusonacademic

rigorensuresasteadystreamofhighlyqualiﬁedgraduates enteringtheworkforceandhighereducationinstitutions. IUSD’semphasisoninnovationandfuture-readyskills meansthesegraduatesarenotonlyacademicallystrongbut alsoequippedwiththecriticalthinking,problem-solving, andtechnologicalskillsdemandedbytoday’sbusinesses.

IUSD’sCareerTechnicalEducation(CTE)pathwaysare particularlyvaluableforbusinesses.Thesepathwayscreate directconnectionsbetweenthedistrictandlocalindustries. ThroughpartnershipswithorganizationslikeUCIHealth, CEOLeadershipAllianceOC,andEdwardsLifesciences, IUSDprovidesstudentswithreal-worldlearning experiences,internships,andmentorshipopportunities. Thesecollaborationsensurecurriculumrelevanceand providebusinesseswithearlyaccesstopromisingtalent.

IUSDalsopartnerswithCoastlineRegionalOccupational Program(ROP)tooﬀerawiderarrayofcareerexploration coursesandindustrycertiﬁcations.

Fees,Aﬀordability,andAccessibility

IUSDiscommittedtomakingitshigh-qualityeducation accessibletoallfamilieswithinitsboundaries.Asapublic schooldistrict,tuitionisfreeforresidents.Furthermore, IUSDprovidessigniﬁcantsupporttoensureequitable accessandopportunity:

●FreeandReduced-PriceMeals:IUSDparticipatesin federalprogramstoprovidefreeandreduced-pricemeals, ensuringstudentsfromallsocioeconomicbackgrounds havenutritionalsupport.

●FreeAfter-SchoolPrograms:Thedistrictoﬀersfree after-schoolprogramsforeligiblechildren,providing extendedlearningtimeandenrichmentopportunities.

●AﬀordableChildcare:IUSDprovidesaﬀordable childcareoptions,supportingworkingfamiliesinthe community.

●NeighborhoodResourceCenters:IUSD’s NeighborhoodResourceCentersoﬀerfamiliesaccessto essentialresourcesandsocialservices,addressing socioeconomicbarrierstostudentsuccess.

InternationalStudentConsiderations

WhileIUSD’sprimaryfocusisservingresidentstudents, it’simportanttonotethattheUniversityofCalifornia, Irvine(UCI),amajorinstitutioninthecity,doeshosta

signiﬁcantinternationalstudentpopulation.Irvine ValleyCollege(IVC),alsoinIrvine,actively welcomesinternationalstudents,withover430 internationalstudentsenrolled.WhileIUSD’sK-12 programmaynotbedirectlygearedtowards internationalstudentrecruitmentinthesamewayas universities,thepresenceofUCIandIVCcreatesa welcomingandglobally-orientedenvironmentin Irvine,potentiallyattractivetobusinesseswith internationalemployeesorglobaloperations.

CommunityPartnershipsandIconicOrange CountyBusinesses

IUSDunderstandsthatstrongcommunity partnershipsareessentialforcreatingathriving educationalecosystem.Beyondthepartnerships mentionedwithinCTEprograms,IUSD collaborateswithvariouslocalorganizations, includingtheIrvinePoliceDepartment(IPD)on schoolsafetyinitiatives,demonstratinga commitmenttostudentwell-beingandasafe learningenvironment.

OrangeCountyishometoadiverserangeoficonic andindustry-leadingcompanies.Potentialhiring partnersormajoremployersintheregionthatmay drawtalentfromIUSDgraduatesinclude:

●Technology:Google(IrvineCampus),Western Digital(HeadquarteredinIrvine),Blizzard Entertainment(Irvine).

●Healthcare/MedicalDevices:Edwards Lifesciences(Irvine),Allergan(Irvine),Hoag MemorialHospitalPresbyterian(NewportBeach).

●Retail/ConsumerGoods:Costco(Irvine Headquarters),Quiksilver(HuntingtonBeach).

●Finance/Insurance:PaciﬁcLife(Newport Beach),FirstAmericanFinancialCorporation (SantaAna),CapitalGroup(Irvine).

●Manufacturing:AppliedMedical(RanchoSanta Margarita),YamahaMotorCorporation(Cypress), BehrPaintCorporation(SantaAna).

●FoodIndustry:In-N-OutBurger(Irvine Headquarters),King’sHawaiianBakery(TorrancestrongOCpresence),GoldenStateFoods(Irvine).

●RealEstate/Development:TheIrvine Company(Irvine).

Thesecompanies,andmanyothersinOrange County,representpotentialcareerpathwaysfor IUSDgraduatesandhighlightthedistrict’s importanceinsupplyingskilledtalenttokey regionalindustries.

LeadershipandVision

SuperintendentTerryWalkerleadsIUSDwitha clearvisionforexcellenceandinnovation.Her leadershipemphasizescontinuousimprovement, data-drivendecision-making,andacommitment tomeetingtheevolvingneedsofstudentsand thecommunity.Underherguidance,IUSDhas continuedtostrengthenitsacademicprograms, expanditsinnovativeinitiatives,anddeepenits engagementwiththebusinesscommunity, ensuringthedistrictremainsresponsivetothe needsoftheregionaleconomy.

Ms.Walker’sfocusonpreparingfuture-ready learnersandfosteringstrongcommunity partnershipsreﬂectsadeepunderstandingofthe interconnectednessbetweeneducation,

economicdevelopment,andcommunity prosperity.Herleadershipensuresthat IUSDremainsadrivingforcefortalent developmentandinnovationinOrange County,makingitavaluableassetfor theentireregion.

TheIUSDInvestment:AReturnfor BusinessesandtheCommunity

Investinginacommunitywithastrong schooldistrictlikeIUSDisastrategic investmentinthefutureworkforceand theoveralleconomicvitalityofOrange County.IUSD’scommitmentto academicexcellence,innovation, diversity,androbustcommunityand businesspartnershipsmakesitavaluable assetforcompaniesseekingatalented workforceandathrivingcommunity environment.Forbusinessesconsidering alocationinSouthernCalifornia,Irvine UniﬁedSchoolDistrictrepresentsnot justaneducationalinstitution,butakey partnerinbuildingasuccessful, innovative,andsustainablefuturefor bothbusinessesandthecommunity

IntheintricateweaveofSt.LouisCounty, Missouri,wheretraditionandprogressengageina quietdialogue,theLadueSchoolDistrictstands asatestamenttosustainededucationaldistinction.Itis notamonolithicentitysprungfromasingleblueprint, butratheraconﬂuenceofpurposedrawingstrengthfrom tendistinct,self-governedcommunities—Ladueitself, CreveCoeur,CrystalLakePark,Frontenac,Huntleigh, Olivette,RichmondHeights,TownandCountry, Westwood,andpartsofUnincorporatedSt.Louis County Acrossthese19squaremiles,hometoover 27,000residents,thedistrictoperatesasafocalpointof sharedaspiration,eventhoughcurrently,onlyabouta quarterofthesehouseholdshavechildrenwalkingits schoolhalls.

Thisbroadbaseofcommunityengagement,extending beyondimmediateparenthood,speaksvolumesaboutthe perceivedvalueandintegralroleofLadueSchools.

Thedistrict’sarchitecturereflectsathoughtfulprogression oflearning:anearlychildhoodcenterthatwelcomesthe youngestminds,fourK-4elementaryschoolslaying foundationalstones,adedicatedFifthGradeCenter designedtonavigateapivotaltransition,adynamicmiddle schoolfosteringadolescentgrowth,andahighschoolthat servesasalaunchpadtofutureendeavors.Morethan 4,300studentspopulatetheseinstitutionsonanygiven schoolday,afigurethathassteadilyclimbed,surpassing 4,000inthe2013-14schoolyearforthefirsttimesince 1978andreaching4,367bytheofficial2024count.

Thisgrowth,a23%surgeoveradecade,signalsadistrict notjustmaintaining,butattracting—abeaconforfamilies seekingeducationalsubstance.

Withinthesestudentnumbersliesavibrantdiversityoften unseenbythecasualobserver.Sixty-ﬁveprimary languagesechointhehomesofitsfamilies,withChinese, Spanish,andRussianpaintingpartofthisrichlinguistic landscape.Thisisnotmerelyademographicstatistic;itis anactiveingredientintheeducationalexperience, preparingstudentsforagenuinelyglobalsociety

Thephysicalenvironmentkeepspacewithitspedagogical ambitions.Acommunitythattrustsitseducational stewardsaﬃrmedthisbypassingasigniﬁcant$126million bondreferenduminApril2021.Thiscommitment,the largestinthedistrict’shistoryandpassedwiththesecondhighestapprovalratingevenamidstaglobalpandemic, fundedtherecentlycompletedrenovationsofitsfour elementaryschoolsandthemiddleschool,ensuringthat Ladue’sfacilitiesarenotjustcurrent,butfuture-ready

TheLadueSchoolDistrictwasﬁrstorganizedin1939, shortlyaftertheCityofLadue’sincorporationin1936.Early pillarslikeSpoedeElementaryandRossElementary,builtin the1930s,markeditsfoundationalyears.Likemany Americaninstitutions,itshistoryincludesperiodsofsocietal reckoning.A1978case, U.S. v Ladue School District,saw thefederalgovernmentaddressdiscriminationinfacultyand staﬀhiring.Later,in1999,LadueexitedtheVoluntary InterdistrictChoiceCorporation(VICC),acity-county desegregationprogram.Thesemoments,partofitscomplex past,underscoretheongoingjourneyofanyenduringpublic institutionstrivingforequityandexcellence.

Today,thedistrict’smissionisunequivocal:“Wearea communitythatbelievesinthelimitlesspossibilitiesof learning.”Thisbelieftranslatesintofosteringthehighest academicachievementandpersonalresponsibility, recognizingandrespectingallcultures,challengingstudents toexcelaccordingtotheirindividualtalents, andinspiringthemtobecomeresponsible,contributing globalcitizens.

Thevisionisequallyclear:“Together,wewill empowereverystudenttobecomeapassionatelearner andachievetheirhighestpotential,”therebysettinga standardforacademicexcellencethatservesasa foundationforproductive,happylives.

TheSuperintendent:AStewardofTrustand Transformation

Atthehelmofthisendeavorsince2019standsDr.Jim Wipke,amanwhose32-yearcareerineducationisa narrativeofsteadfastcommitment.Hisjourneybegan withaBachelorofScienceinEducationfromHarrisStoweStateUniversity,followedbytwoMaster’s degreesfromSouthwestBaptistUniversity,and culminatinginaDoctorateinEducationfrom MaryvilleUniversityin2008.Itisapointofquiet prideforDr.WipkethatDr.DanDeschamp,who handedhimhisLafayetteHighSchooldiploma,also conferredhisdoctoraldegreeyearslater—asubtle continuityinalifededicatedtolearning.

Dr Wipke’sleadershipphilosophyisnotoneofedicts fromonhigh,butofbuildingstrong,collaborative relationshipswitheverystakeholder—students, educators,families,andthewidercommunity.His corebeliefisinopeningdoors,inproviding opportunitiesforallstudentstoﬁndthetoolsfor success.Thisethosdirectlyfueledthepassageofthe historic$126millionbondissue.Leadingsuchan initiativetooverwhelmingsuccess,particularlyduring theuncertaintyoftheCOVIDpandemic,speakstoa deepreservoirofcommunitytrust—trustinhisvision andhisstewardship.Thetangibleresultsaremajor constructionprojectsinﬁveoftheeightschool buildings,creatinglearningenvironmentsdesignedfor thefuture.

In2022,Dr.Wipkeandhisleadershipteam meticulouslycraftedaFive-yearStrategicPlan,a documentthatcontinuestoguidethedistrictthrough its“CollectiveCommitments.”Heviewsthedistrict’s diversitynotasachallengetobemanaged,butasa profoundstrength,andhasactivelyworkedwithinthe strategicplantobolsterthesediversityeﬀorts.This commitmentisreﬂectedinthedistrict’srecent accolades:Niche,theeducationresearchcompany, rankedtheLadueSchoolDistrict6thnationwideinits latestassessment,animprovementfrom8ththe previousyear—apowerfulexternalvalidationofthe internaldedication.

OnedoesnotfindDr.Wipkeconfinedtohisoffice.Heis avisible,approachablepresencethroughoutthedistrict, afamiliarfaceatstudentathleticsandactivities.He extendshisconnectionthrougharegularlyupdatedblog andapodcast,moderntoolsforanage-oldpractice: buildingrapport.Thishands-onengagementisnota departurefromhisdutiesbutanintegralpartofthem.

HispathtoLaduewaspavedwithsignificant achievementselsewhere.AsSuperintendentoftheFox C-6SchoolDistrict,heskillfullynavigatedfinancial challenges,rebuiltcommunityrelationships,and implementedprogramsthatdemonstrablyimproved studentachievement,includingincreasedACT compositescoresandgreaterparticipationinPSATand advancedplacementcourses.Earlier,asExecutive DirectorofSecondaryEducationfortheRockwood SchoolDistrict,andasPrincipalofEurekaHighSchool andCrestviewMiddleSchool,hewasknownforhis collaborativestyle,hisunwaveringfocusonstudentcenteredpractices,and,anecdotally,arathereffective jumpshotduringlunchrecessbasketballgamesat Crestview—asmalldetailthatspeakstoaleader comfortableinallfacetsofschoollife.

Numerousawardspunctuatehiscareer,includingthe NSPRASuperintendenttoWatchin2020andMaryville University’s2024AlumniSchoolofEducationDean’s Award.Yet,Dr Wipkeisquicktoattributemuchofhis successtotheconstantsupportofhiswife,Jennifer,and thegroundinginﬂuenceofhisfamily.Hehascoachedall fourofhischildreninsoccer,arolehebelieveshasmade himabetterfatherandamoreeﬀectiveeducatorthrough thedaily,directworkwithyoungpeople.“Ourfutureis incrediblybright,”Dr Wipkeoftenremarks,“becauseof theamazingstudentsatLadueSchools.”Itisasimple statement,yetitcarriestheweightofprofound conviction.

AnEcosystemofLearningandAchievement

Theacademicheartofthedistrict,LadueHortonWatkins HighSchool,consistentlydemonstratesthefruitsofthis comprehensiveK-12approach.Withagraduationrate thatconsistentlysurpasses90%(89%of2024graduates matriculatingtocollege),thehighschoolisapowerful engineofopportunity.Standardizedtestingresults consistentlyplaceLaduestudentsabovebothstateand nationalaverages. Newsweek recognizeditsstanding, rankingit166thbestinthenationin2013,asigniﬁcant climbfrom188thjustayearprior,andﬁrstinMissouri.

LadueMiddleSchool,formerlyEastLadueJunior High,providesacrucialbridgeforstudentsinsixth througheighthgrades.ItsrecognitionasaNational SchoolofCharacterinMay2014highlightsan emphasisonholisticdevelopmentbeyondmere academics.TheinnovativeLadueFifthGradeCenter, establishedin2013onpropertyre-purchasedand redevelopedbythedistrict,oﬀersaspecialized environmenttailoredtotheuniqueneedsofthisage group.

Thefourelementaryschools—Conway,Old Bonhomme,Reed,andSpoede—eachserveas nurturinggroundswherefoundationalskillsandalove forlearningarecultivated.Theyareintegralpartsof theirlocalneighborhoods,yetsharethedistrict-wide commitmenttoexcellence.ConwayElementary,for instance,enrolleditsﬁrstBlackstudentsin1965,a historicalmarkerinthedistrict'songoingjourney towardsinclusivity

Thedistrict’stotaloperatingrevenueisreportedat $49.9million,withoperatingexpensesat$50.2million. Ladueinvests$11,903perstudent,withteachersalaries averaging$62,697,arangethatreﬂectsacommitment toattractingandretainingqualiﬁededucators.

Thestudent-teacherratioofapproximately13.05allows foradegreeofpersonalizedattentionoftensoughtbut notalwaysachievedinpubliceducation.

ThestoryoftheLadueSchoolDistrictisnotoneof eﬀortlessascendance,butofdeliberatecultivation.Itis anarrativeauthoredbydedicatededucators,anengaged andtrustingcommunity,andaleadershipthat understandsthattrueexcellenceisadynamicstate, requiringconstantattention,adaptation,andan unwaveringbeliefinthepotentialhousedwithinevery student.Inanerawherepubliceducationfacesmyriad pressures,Ladueoﬀersacompellingmodelofwhatcan beachievedwhenacommunityanditsschoolsworkin concert,guidedbyaclearvisionandanunshakeable commitmenttothefuture.Itis,byanymeasure,a districttobeadmired.

Honoring Tradition ~ Continuing Excellence

SanDieguitoUnion HighSchoolDistrict

Coastal San Diego’s Premier Talent Engine

Forbusinessesseekingacompetitiveedgein SouthernCalifornia,accesstoahighlyeducated andskilledworkforceiscritical.TheSan DieguitoUnionHighSchoolDistrict(SDUHSD), servingthedesirablecoastalcommunitiesofNorthSan DiegoCounty,isaleadingeducationalinstitution consistentlyproducingtop-tiergraduatesandfuelingthe region'stalentpool.

Establishedin1936,SDUHSDhasalong-standing reputationforacademicexcellenceandinnovation. Comprisingﬁvecomprehensivehighschools,amiddle school,andalternativeprograms,SDUHSDservesa diversestudentpopulationwithasteadfastcommitmentto providingaworld-classeducation.

UndertheleadershipofSuperintendentDr AnneF Brown,thedistrictcontinuestoadvance,implementing future-focusedinitiativesthatcultivatecriticalthinking, creativity,andadaptability–essentialattributesforthe modernworkforce.

BuildingaHigh-CaliberWorkforce

SDUHSDisconsistentlyrecognizedasoneofthetopperforminghighschooldistrictsinCaliforniaandthe nation.Itsschoolsfrequentlyearnaccoladesforacademic achievement,collegereadiness,andoverallexcellence.

TheserankingsunderscoreSDUHSD’seﬀectivenessin preparingstudentsforfuturesuccessinhighereducation anddemandingcareers.KeyindicatorsofSDUHSD’s strengthincludeexceptionalstandardizedtestscores,

consistentlyhighgraduationratesexceedingandastrong trackrecordofgraduatesattendingtopuniversities nationwide.ForbusinessesinSanDiegoCounty,SDUHSD representsavitalsourceofhighlyqualiﬁedtalent.

SDUHSD’scommitmenttodevelopingafuture-ready workforceisreﬂectedinitscomprehensiveprogram oﬀerings:

●RigorousAcademicCore:SDUHSDprovidesa challengingandcomprehensivecollege-preparatory curriculumacrossalldisciplines,ensuringstudentsdevelop astrongacademicfoundation.

●STEMLeadership:Recognizingtheimportanceof Science,Technology,Engineering,andMathematics, SDUHSDoﬀersspecializedSTEMprograms,academies, andpathwaysacrossitshighschools.Theseprograms provideadvancedcourseworkandhands-onlearning experiencesincutting-edgeﬁelds.

●CareerTechnicalEducation(CTE)Pathways: SDUHSDoﬀersdiverseCTEpathwaysalignedwith regionalindustrystrengths,includingBiotechnology, Engineering,ComputerScience,DigitalMediaArts,and Business.Thesepathwaysprovidestudentswithindustryrelevantskillsandopportunitiesforinternshipsand certiﬁcations.

●VisualandPerformingArts(VAPA):SDUHSD recognizesthevalueofcreativityandinnovationinthe workforceandprovidesrobustVAPAprogramsacrossits schools,fosteringcreativeexpressionandcriticalthinking.

CultivatingAdaptabilityandInnovation

Intoday’srapidlychangingbusinessenvironment, adaptabilityandinnovationarecrucial.SDUHSD prioritizestheseskillsthrough:

●Inquiry-BasedLearning:SDUHSDemphasizes inquiry-basedlearningmethodologiesthatencourage criticalthinking,problem-solving,andindependentlearning –skillshighlyvaluedbyemployers.

●TechnologyIntegration:Thedistrictstrategically integratestechnologyacrossthecurriculum,ensuring studentsdevelopdigitalﬂuencyandarecomfortableusing technologyasatoolforlearningandinnovation.

●21st-CenturySkillsFocus:SDUHSDexplicitlyfocuses ondeveloping21st-centuryskillssuchascollaboration, communication,criticalthinking,andcreativitythroughout itsprogramsandextracurricularactivities.

TheSDUHSDAdvantage:Connecting

Educationto Industry

ForbusinessesinNorthSanDiegoCounty,SDUHSDoﬀers adistinctadvantagebycreatingstrongconnectionsbetween educationandindustry.Thedistrictactivelyfosters partnershipswithlocalbusinessesandorganizationsto providestudentswithreal-worldlearningexperiencesand careerpathways.

SDUHSD’sCTEprogramsaredesignedwithindustryinput andoftenincludeadvisoryboardscomprisedofbusiness professionals.Thisensurescurriculumrelevanceand alignmentwithindustryneeds.StudentsinCTEpathways beneﬁtfromopportunitiessuchas:

●InternshipsandWork-BasedLearning:SDUHSD facilitatesinternshipsandwork-basedlearningexperiences withlocalcompanies,providingstudentswithpractical skillsandindustryexposure.

●IndustryCertifications:ManyCTEpathwaysoffer industry-recognizedcertifications,enhancingstudents’ employabilityandprovidingbusinesseswithapoolof qualifiedcandidates.

●CareerCounselingandGuidance:SDUHSDprovides comprehensivecareercounselingandguidanceservices, helpingstudentsexplorecareeroptionsandconnectwith potentialemployers.

Fees,Accessibility,andCommunityInvestment

SDUHSDiscommittedtoprovidingexceptional publiceducationaccessibletoallresidentswithinits boundaries.Tuitionisfreeforresidentstudents.The districtalsoprioritizesequitableaccessandcommunity supportthrough:

●FocusonEquityandAccess:SDUHSDis committedtoensuringequitableaccesstohigh-quality educationforallstudents,regardlessofbackground.

●StrongCommunityEngagement:SDUHSD activelyengageswiththecommunitythroughparent involvementprograms,communityevents,and partnershipswithlocalorganizations.

●InvestmentinFacilitiesandResources:SDUHSD demonstratescommunitysupportthroughongoing investmentinmodernfacilities,technology,and resourcesthatenhancethelearningenvironment.

InternationalStudentConsiderations

SDUHSDprimarilyservesresidentstudentswithinits districtboundaries.However,theSanDiegoregionisa globalhubwithasigniﬁcantinternationalpresencein industriesliketechnology,biotechnology,andtourism. ThepresenceofuniversitieslikeUCSanDiegoand SanDiegoStateUniversity,whichattractinternational studentsandfaculty,contributestoaglobally-minded environmentintheregion,potentiallybeneﬁcialfor businesseswithinternationalconnections.

BusinessPartnershipsandKeySanDiego Industries

SDUHSDrecognizestheimportanceofaligningits programswiththeneedsofSanDiego’skeyindustries. Potentialhiringpartnersandmajoremployersinthe regionthatmaybeneﬁtfromSDUHSD’stalent pipelineinclude:

●Technology/Biotechnology:Qualcomm(San Diego),Illumina(SanDiego),ThermoFisher Scientiﬁc(Carlsbad),BDBiosciences(SanDiego), GeneralAtomics(SanDiego).

●Defense/Aerospace:GeneralDynamicsNASSCO (SanDiego),BAESystems(SanDiego),Northrop Grumman(SanDiego).

●Healthcare:SharpHealthCare(SanDiego), ScrippsHealth(SanDiego),UCSanDiegoHealth.

●Tourism/Hospitality:SanDiego’slargetourism andhospitalitysectorreliesonaskilledworkforce, andSDUHSD’scareerpathwayscancontributetothis industry.

●CleanTechnology/RenewableEnergy:SanDiego isagrowinghubforcleantechnology,and SDUHSD’sSTEMprogramscansupportthissector

Theseindustriesrepresentkeyemploymentsectorsin SanDiegoandpotentialcareerdestinationsfor SDUHSDgraduates.

LeadershipandRegionalImpact

SuperintendentDr AnneF.BrownleadsSDUHSD withafocusoncontinuousimprovement,innovation, andcommunitycollaboration.Herleadership emphasizespreparingstudentsforarapidlyevolving worldandensuringSDUHSDremainsadrivingforce fortalentdevelopmentincoastalSanDiegoCounty

Dr.Brown’scommitmenttostrongacademics,futurereadyskills,andbusinesspartnershipspositions SDUHSDasavitalassetfortheregion’seconomic prosperity.HervisionensuresthatSDUHSDcontinues tobeapremiersourceoftalentandakeycontributorto thedynamismoftheSanDiegobusinesscommunity.

TheSDUHSDInvestment:FuelingSanDiego’s EconomicEngine

Investingincommunitieswithtop-tierschooldistricts likeSDUHSDisastrategicinvestmentintheregion’s economicfuture.SDUHSD’sdedicationtoacademic rigor,innovation,industrypartnerships,and communityengagementmakesitaninvaluableasset forbusinessesseekingahighlyskilledworkforceanda thrivingbusinessenvironmentincoastalSanDiego County

Forcompanieslookingtoestablishorexpandtheir presenceinSouthernCalifornia,SanDieguitoUnion HighSchoolDistrictisnotjustaneducationalsystem, butacriticalpartnerinbuildingaprosperousand innovativeregionaleconomy

Inthehigh-stakesgameofpubliceducation,where resultsarekingandnationalrankingscanmakeor breakacommunity’sreputation,LongIsland’s SyossetCentralSchoolDistrictisnotjustplaying; itconsistentlyresidesnearthetopofthe leaderboard.Therealquestiontranscends if Syossetisgood.Thedeeperinquiryis how a districtofthissizesustainssuchaferocious,multifacetedlevelofexcellence.

WalkthroughSyosset,oritsneighboringcommunities likeWoodbury,andyou’llnoticethehouses.They carryapremium,atangiblemarkerofwhatitmeans tolivewithintheboundariesoftheSyossetCentral SchoolDistrict(NCESDistrictID:3628560).

Forthe2024-2025schoolyear,Niche.comranked Syossetthe#2bestschooldistrictinNewYorkanda staggering#5intheentireUnitedStates.Thiskindof consistencyisnoaccident;it'sapattern.Withroughly 6,578studentsacrosstenschoolsandastudentteacherratioofaround9.7:1–excellentforitsscale–Syossetoperatesasapowerhouse.

UndertheleadershipofSuperintendentDr.Thomas Rogers,thedistrict’smissionissuitablyambitious: “topreparestudentstothriveinboththefuturewe imagineandonewhichmayevolveinwaysyettobe envisioned.”Thefocusextendsbeyondmerelyacing tests;itcentersonbuildingadaptable,criticalthinkers.

TheSyossetSystem:ADecade-LongAscent

ThejourneythroughSyosset’seducationallandscape ismeticulouslystructured,designedtobuildcapacity andpassionfromtheearliestage:

· UniversalPre-Kindergarten(UPK):Here, learningisplay-basedbutpurposeful,guidedby NewYorkStatePrekindergartenLearningStandards. It’saboutdiscovery,self-regulation,andearly literacyandmathskillsina“richlydiverseand engagingenvironment.”

· AConstellationofElementarySchools:Seven elementaryschools(A.P Willits,J.IrvingBaylis, BerryHill,RobbinsLane,SouthGrove,Village,and WaltWhitman)eachfosterauniquecommunityfeel, yetallalignwiththedistrict’sbroadergoals. Commonthreadsintheirindividualmissions emphasizenurturingenvironments,home/school partnerships,respect,responsibility,andalovefor learning.SouthGrove,forinstance,wasrecognized asaNationalBlueRibbonSchoolasrecentlyas 2025,atestamenttoongoingexcellence.

· MiddleSchool:ThePivotalTransition:H.B. ThompsonandSouthWoodsMiddleSchoolsare designedtoaddressthe“continualemotional, physical,intellectual,andsocialchanges”of emergingadolescence.Theyfocusonindividual growth,well-being,andstimulatingintellectualand socialdevelopment,preparingstudentsfortherigors ahead.BothhaveearnedtheprestigiousU.S. DepartmentofEducationBlueRibbonSchoolof Excellenceaward(Thompsonin1996-97,South Woodsin1999-2000).

· SyossetHighSchool:TheApexInstitution:Thisis wherethedistrict scomprehensivevisiontruly ’ culminates.RecognizedasaBlueRibbonSchoolitself (1992-93),SyossetHighisdedicatedtopreparingstudents foranever-evolvingworld.Theacademicarsenalis formidable:31AdvancedPlacementcourses,nineworld languages,andspecializedprogramsacrossmajor subjects.TheinnovativeSYO+PathwaysProgrameven offersmicro-credentialsforspecificcareerfields.Beyond theclassroom,nearly100clubs,competitiveathletics, extensivecommunityserviceinitiatives,anFMradio station,apodcastinglab,andavideoproductionstudio offerboundlessavenuesforexploration.

MoreThanNumbers:ACultureofAchievementand PRIDE

Thestatisticsspeakvolumes:78%proﬁciencyin Reading/Writing,87%inMathematics,a99%graduation rate.TheaverageSATscorehoversaround1390,withan ACTaverageof31–metricsthatconsistentlydwarf nationalaverages.StudentshereoftentakeRegentsExams forAlgebra1andEarthSciencein8thgrade,astrategic moveallowingformoreadvancedcourseworkinhigh school.

ButSyosset ssuccessdoesnotderivesolelyfrom ’ academicpressure.Thedistrict svisionexplicitlytargets ’ “ ” Culture,ClimateandCharacter. Students,staﬀ,and parentsareencouragedtoexemplify PRIDE :Patience, “ ” Respect,Integrity,Dignity,andEmpathy There sadeep ’ commitmenttosupportingmentalandphysicalwellness, fosteringasenseofsafetyandbelonging,andinspiring altruism.AsDr.Rogershighlightedinarecentcommunity message,initiativeslikeaBobRoss-inspired TheJoyof “ Painting eventatthehighschoolaimtoreducestressand ” promotewell-being,demonstratingaholisticapproach.

Theartsarefarfromanafterthoughthere;theyarea specialty ThedistrictwontheKennedyCenterAlliance forArtsEducationNetworkAward(2002),andSyosset HighwasnamedaGrammySignatureschool(2004)for itsmusicprograms.Themandatoryforeignlanguage programisuniquelyintensive,startingwithRussianin Kindergarten,Chinesein1stgrade,thenchoiceslike Italian,Spanish,orFrenchingrades2-4,andLatinin5th. Middleandhighschooloﬀeringsexpandtoinclude Korean,Japanese,andAmericanSignLanguage, reﬂectingthedistrict sdiversestudentbody(45%Asian, ’ 46.9%White,4.9%Hispanicasof2024).

AnAdmiredModel:TheSyossetProposition

WhyisSyossetsoadmired?It’sacompellingblendof ambitiousvision,meticulousexecution,andacommunity thatclearlyvalueseducationalexcellence.Hereisa districtthatdoesnotshyawayfromsettingthebar incrediblyhigh,providingstudentswithavastarrayof opportunities,andsystematicallysupportingthemtoreach theirpotential.Fromitsyoungestlearnersmaking discoveriesinUPKtohighschoolseniorsperformingat LincolnCenter,SyossetCSDdemonstratesarelentless pursuitofwhat’spossible.

Thedistrictaimstodomorethanpreparestudentsfor college;itendeavorstoequipthemwiththeintellectual agility,criticalthinkingskills,strengthofcharacter,and diverseexperiencesneededtonavigateandcontributetoa futurethat,astheirmissionstates,isstillunfolding.For familiesseekingthatcomprehensive,high-octane,and consistentlylaudededucationaljourney,Syossetmakesa verypowerfulcase.It’sadistrictthathasembracedthe challengeofachievingsustainedexcellenceatscale,and theresultsspeakforthemselves.

SYOSSET

Central School District