Valentine Elementary School has been named a National ESEA Distinguished School for the 2025-2026 school year. The students, staff, school, and community celebrated this honorable designation with an award presentation on Thursday, April 16th. Dr. Zenneah Jenkins and Dr. Joseph Cole, representatives from the Arizona Department of Education, presented Mr. Angle, Valentine Elementary School Superintendent, with a certificate of award and a $10,000 check. Mr. John Warren, Mohave County School Superintendent, Mr. Travis Lingenfelter, Mohave County Supervisor for District 1, and Juanita Tabor, School Board President, congratulated the students, families, and staff in recognition of the outstanding work that all stakeholders at Valentine Elementary School have committed to in earning this prestigious award.
Valentine Elementary School is located northern Arizona and is committed to providing outstanding academic opportunities and experiences for all students. The implementation of the House System created a tremendous impact on student attendance, participation, and academic growth. The House System is a program developed by Ron Clark Academy which is based on student leadership and teamwork. This strategy enabled Valentine Elementary School to join dozens of schools who reported in a July 2025 survey that they had reaped the benefits of a reduction in discipline referrals and increases in attendance and family involvement. Our school climate and culture improved, as did staff morale and engagement with students, with the end result being increased academic achievement.
The National ESEA Distinguished Schools program, a project of the National Association of ESEA State Program Administrators (NAESPA), publicly recognizes federally funded schools for outstanding academic achievement and positive educational advances. Each state selects up to two schools annually that show exceptional student performance, or improved outcomes for special populations.
Key Aspects of the Program:
• Selection Criteria: Schools must have a poverty rate of at least 35% and demonstrate high academic growth or achievement.
• Recognition: Selected schools receive a commemorative award, a feature on the ESEA Network website, and recognition at the national conference.
• Categories of Excellence: Recognized schools often fall into categories including exceptional student performance, closing the achievement gap, or excellence in serving special populations.
https://www.eseanetwork.org/ds/schools/valentine-elementary-school