Ðǿմ«Ã½ is celebrating a major academic achievement asÌý11 elementary schools and four junior high schools (in addition to four Arlington ISD schools) have been named to the 2026 ÌýBestÌýElementary and MiddleÌýSchoolsÌýLists, placing them among theÌýtop 40%Ìýof public schools in Texas.Ìý
The annual rankings evaluate schools based primarily onÌýstudent performance on state-required assessments,ÌýproficiencyÌýin core subjects, and how effectively schools serve all students. Schools that rank in the top tier of their state earn eligibility for a U.S. News Best School designation and digital badge.Ìý
This year, the following Ðǿմ«Ã½ campuses earned the distinction:Ìý
Elementary Schools:Ìý
- Beckham ElementaryÌý
- Bryant ElementaryÌý
- Butler ElementaryÌý
- CoreyÌýAcademy of Fine Arts and Dual Language
- Ditto ElementaryÌý
- Duff ElementaryÌý
- Little ElementaryÌý
- PearcyÌýSTEM AcademyÌý
- RemynseÌýElementaryÌý
- West ElementaryÌý
- WimbishÌýWorld Language AcademyÌý
Junior High SchoolsÌý
- Bailey Junior HighÌý
- Boles Junior HighÌý
- Ousley Junior HighÌý
- Young Junior HighÌý
Being ranked in the top 40%Ìýstatewide signals strong academic performance and continued student growth in reading and math, while also reflecting campus-level leadership, instructional quality, and student engagement.Ìý
“This recognition truly highlights the remarkable work happening in our classrooms every single day,â€�ÌýsaidÌýWest ElementaryÌýprincipal Amber Cannon. “Being on this list shines a light on the dedication, growth,Ìýand success of our entire school community.â€�Ìý
She added that the distinction reinforcesÌýa shared missionÌýon her campus and across Ðǿմ«Ã½.Ìý
“Being named one of the best schools in the nation reinforces our mission: nurturing and supporting the growth of every learner, empowering them to thrive and positively impact our community,â€� Cannon said. “It truly reflects the shared commitment of our entire school family.â€�Ìý
Ousley Junior HighÌýSchoolÌýprincipalÌýAmber PriceÌýfeelsÌýthe same way.Ìý
“This isÌýjustÌýanother example of giving students an exceptional experience in Ðǿմ«Ã½,â€� Price said.Ìý“The staff at OusleyÌýworksÌýhard with students.ÌýIn return, the students are able to showÌýoffÌýall of that hard work.ÌýIt truly is everyone working in the same direction, at the same time, with the same intensity.â€�Ìý
Campuses earning the designation will receive aÌýU.S. News Best School badgeÌýto display on their websites, along with aÌýstand-up bannerÌýrecognizing the achievement. The schools will also be formally recognized at theÌýÐǿմ«Ã½ Board of Trustees meeting on March 12.Ìý
The U.S. News Best Schools rankings include thousands of public schools nationwide, making this recognition a significant accomplishment for Ðǿմ«Ã½ and the students, educators and families who contribute to their success.Ìý