Heights Elementary has been named a National Bright Spot by The 74 for beating the odds in third-grade literacy, placing the school among the top 5% in Texas for exceeding expectations based on student poverty levels.

The 74, a national nonprofit education newsroom, analyzed nearly 42,000 schools across the country to identify schools where third-grade students performed significantly better in reading than would be predicted based on the economic challenges facing their student populations.

Schools identified as Bright Spots ranked among the top 5% in their state for outperforming those expectations.

For Heights Elementary, the recognition provides national validation of the results being produced through strong instruction, high expectations and a campuswide commitment to helping every student succeed.

The achievement reflects the work of Principal Sarah Furman, Assistant Principal Ashley Knape, Heights' third-grade teachers, students and the entire campus team.

“Learning to read changes the trajectory of a child’s life,” Superintendent Dr. Melissa Duarte said. “At Heights, our teachers refuse to allow a child’s circumstances to determine what a child can achieve. Our students are not simply meeting expectations; they are exceeding them. That is the power of exceptional teaching, high expectations and a school community that believes deeply in every child.”

The National Bright Spot recognition adds to a growing list of accomplishments for Heights Elementary and shines a national spotlight on the work taking place in its classrooms.

At Heights, the numbers tell an important story: When students are met with exceptional teaching, high expectations and educators who believe in their potential, they can beat the odds.