National PTA recognizes hundreds of schools for excellence in family-school partnerships

National PTA has recognized 330 PTAs and schools across the United States, as well as Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) schools in Europe, as 2024-2026 National PTA Schools of Excellence. These honors are given to institutions that have built strong partnerships between families and their schools, contributing to students’ educational experiences and overall well-being.

Three top schools were further distinguished with the association’s highest honor, the Phoebe Apperson Hearst Award. Meadow School PTA in Baldwin, New York received the Phoebe Apperson Hearst Outstanding Family-School Partnership Award. Redondo Union High School PTSA in Redondo Beach, California and Gunston Middle School PTA in Arlington, Virginia each received the Phoebe Apperson Hearst Family-School Partnership Award of Merit.

“At PTA, we believe that every strategy to accelerate learning must include families. Decades of research show that family engagement is just as essential as other school improvement strategies—from rigorous instruction to effective leaders,” said Yvonne Johnson, president of National PTA. “We are thrilled to honor the accomplishments of Meadow School PTA, Redondo Union High School PTSA, Gunston Middle School PTA and all the 2024-2026 School of Excellence designees. They are examples of the amazing things that can be achieved when schools and families work together to accomplish common goals.”

The National PTA’s School of Excellence program involves a year-long effort by participating PTAs and schools to gather feedback from their communities and develop action plans aimed at improving family engagement. The program encourages open communication within school communities and supports data-driven decision-making for long-term improvements.

Enrollment for the 2025-2026 School of Excellence program is now open until October 15. More information about enrollment can be found at https://www.pta.org/home/programs/National-PTA-School-of-Excellence.

National PTA represents millions nationwide—including families, educators, administrators, business leaders, and community members—who are committed to children’s educational success and increased family involvement in education. As a registered nonprofit organization under section 501(c)(3), it advocates for public education while offering resources for families interested in making a difference for children’s education, health, and welfare. Additional details about membership or programs are available at https://www.pta.org/.