DeAnda ES named one of the best urban campuses in the nation

The Houston Independent School District’s James DeAnda Elementary School has been named one of the best urban schools in the nation by the National Center for Urban School Transformation.

“I want to congratulate the entire team at DeAnda Elementary School for their continued hard work and dedication to the children they are entrusted to educate,” Interim Superintendent Grenita Lathan said. “Our outstanding educators there exemplify HISD’s mission to empower our students to become global leaders, to strive for excellence, and to become responsible citizens.”

A critical thinking initiative has been in place at DeAnda for more than five years. It provides a rigorous curriculum designed to transform instruction into real-life experiences.

“The learning at DeAnda is not limited to just state academic objectives, but incorporates meaningful learning initiatives like cultural diversity, citizenship, and global responsibility,” Principal Lauren Mailhiot said. “I’m proud of our team for always going the extra mile for our students.”

The school’s mission is to empower scholars to become global leaders, to strive for excellence, and to become responsible citizens, critical thinkers, and effective communicators. The goal for teachers is to create students who achieve phenomenal success beyond the classroom.

Outstanding academic performance at the school has been recognized by several organizations over the past year, including:

  • 2019: Children at Risk Gold Ribbon Award (#1 in greater Houston region)
  • 2019: Educational Results Partnership Honor Roll School
  • 2019-2022: International Baccalaureate (IB) Candidate School
  • 2019: State distinctions for academic achievement in reading/English language arts, mathematics, and science
  • 2019: Texas top 25 Percent Academic Growth, top 25 Percent Closing Performance Gaps, and postsecondary readiness
  • 2019: Platinum rating from Houston’s Family and Community Engagement Program

For more information on DeAnda Elementary School’s recognition as one of the nation’s best urban schools and to see other schools on this year’s list, click here.