The National Institute for Excellence in Teaching (NIET) has named Horizon Honors Elementary School a Founder’s Award finalist, earning the school a $10,000 award and placing it among just five schools nationwide in the running for the $50,000 grand prize. The winner will be announced at NIET’s national conference in New Orleans on April 1!

Founder’s Award finalists are selected by NIET based on several factors, including improving classroom instruction, creating high-quality professional learning focused on the real-time needs of teachers and students, and engaging teacher leaders and school leaders in building a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement. 

Improvements in classroom instruction at Horizon Honors Elementary School have led to higher student achievement. 

✔️From 2023 to 2025, Horizon Honors Elementary School outpaced the state in the percentage of students scoring Proficient on state assessments in both English Language Arts (ELA) and math. 

✔️The percentage of students scoring Proficient increased from 69% to 74% in ELA and from 53% to 56% in math. During this time, the statewide percentage of students scoring Proficient in ELA remained at 40% in ELA and dropped to 33% in math. 

✔️Reflecting its increases in student proficiency, Horizon Honors Elementary School has maintained an “A” letter grade since 2023. 

“Horizon Honors Elementary School is a remarkable example of the power of teacher leadership,” said NIET Chief Executive Officer Dr. Joshua Barnett. “The differentiated support that teacher leaders provide has transformed the school culture and increased student outcomes.”

Congratulations to the entire Horizon Honors Elementary School team on this incredible achievement!

More information is available HERE.