ALEXANDRIA, Va., (Aug. 1, 2022)—National PTA is pleased to honor 242 PTAs and schools from across the country as 2021-2023 Schools of Excellence for forming strong partnerships that are enriching the educational experience and overall well-being for all students. National PTA is also pleased to recognize the following three top Schools of Excellence with its 2022 Phoebe Apperson Hearst Award—the highest honor presented by the association to celebrate effective family-school partnerships:

Phoebe Apperson Hearst Outstanding Family-School Partnership Award

• Country Parkway Elementary PTA, Williamsville, N.Y.

Phoebe Apperson Hearst Family-School Partnership Award of Merit

• Kingwood Middle PTA, Kingwood, Texas
• Riverside STEM Academy PTSA, Riverside, Calif.

“Family-school partnerships are essential to children’s education and success. And it is more important than ever for families and schools to establish strong partnerships,” said Anna King, president of National PTA. “We are thrilled to honor the accomplishments of Country Parkway Elementary PTA, Kingwood Middle PTA, Riverside STEM Academy PTSA and all of the 2021-2023 Schools of Excellence. Their efforts have and are continuing to make a positive impact for all students, families and their school.”

National PTA’s School of Excellence program is a year-long commitment to improving family-school partnerships. Throughout the year, PTAs and schools collect feedback from their school communities to create and implement plans of action to make a difference for every child. Through the School of Excellence program, PTAs and families become key partners in decision-making and school improvement efforts. The program opens the lines of communication and critical thinking within school communities to make data-drive decisions that yield positive, long-term results.

“National PTA’s School of Excellence program provides a framework for PTAs and schools to identify and implement best practices in family engagement to strengthen family-school partnerships. The program also helps build inclusive and welcoming school communities where all families contribute to enriching the educational experience and overall well-being for all students,” said Nathan R. Monell, CAE, National PTA executive director. “There could not be a more urgent time for families and schools to work together to support our students’ success academically, socially and emotionally and promote learning environments where students feel safe, supported and ready to learn.”

Enrollment is now open for the 2022-2023 School of Excellence program. For more information about the program and to enroll, visit PTA.org/Excellence.

About National PTA

National PTA® comprises millions of families, students, teachers, administrators, and business and community leaders devoted to the educational success of children and the promotion of family engagement in schools. PTA is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit association that prides itself on being a powerful voice for all children, a relevant resource for families and communities, and a strong advocate for public education. Membership in PTA is open to anyone who wants to be involved and make a difference for the education, health and welfare of children and youth. For more information, visit PTA.org.