Whitewater Times

Jackson, Tibbets, and West Side Elementary Schools have been recognized in the 2025 list of U.S. News & World Reports Best Elementary Schools. The assessment by U.S. News evaluates schools nationwide based on the percentage of students proficient or above in math and reading/language arts state assessments. All three Elkhorn elementary schools ranked within the top 40% in Wisconsin.

According to EASD educators, academic and social growth, a love for learning, and developing "future-ready" skills are key indicators of success beyond test scores.

Amy Gee, Director of Curriculum and Instruction for grades 4K-5th at EASD, highlighted the collaborative efforts among these schools which ensure consistent instruction across campuses. "Balancing our curriculum with enrichment opportunities keeps kids interested in learning and provides an opportunity for kids to shine," Gee stated.

The annual Creativity Conference is one example where students from kindergarten through fifth grade participate by sharing projects on various topics. Math24 is another event where fourth and fifth graders compete in a card game involving mathematical operations to achieve a target number.

Summer Academy offers continuous learning opportunities during breaks to prevent the "summer slide." It also helps students transition back into school smoothly by reinforcing what they learned throughout the year.

To evaluate instructional success, the district uses iReady, which provides diagnostic information for teachers and creates individualized learning paths for students in math and reading.

Family engagement plays a crucial role in supporting these schools. Events like the Tibbets Art Auction, Jackson Walk-A-Thon, and West Side Fall Fest exemplify community involvement that fosters neighborhood spirit among young learners.

"The support of our families is instrumental in our success," notes Gee. Engaged parents contribute significantly to student involvement and achievement.