Two Wisconsin Schools Named 2025 National Champions

Two Wisconsin schools are proving that the right support and dedication can transform student outcomes.

Banting Elementary School in Waukesha and the Hmong American Peace Academy, a public charter school in Milwaukee, have been named 2025 National ESEA Distinguished Schools. Out of thousands of schools across the country, only 63 earned this prestigious recognition.

Both schools won in Category 1, the program's highest honor for exceptional student performance and academic growth. This means their students aren't just meeting standards but exceeding them in measurable, meaningful ways.

The National Association of ESEA State Program Administrators has celebrated exemplary schools through this program since 1996. The award recognizes schools that effectively use federal ESEA funds to boost student education outcomes.

What makes these two Wisconsin schools stand out is how they transformed federal resources into tangible results. They didn't just spend money but invested it strategically to help every student succeed.

The Ripple Effect spreads far beyond test scores. When schools demonstrate that targeted support and smart funding can drive real achievement, they create a blueprint for others to follow. Students at these schools are gaining confidence, skills, and opportunities that will shape their futures.

Teachers and administrators at both schools have shown that zip code doesn't determine destiny. With the right approach, students in any community can thrive academically.

The schools will receive their official honors at the 2026 National ESEA Conference in Denver this February. School leaders, teachers, and community members will gather to share strategies and celebrate what's working in education.

For families in Waukesha and Milwaukee, this recognition confirms what they already know: their schools are doing something special. For educators nationwide, it offers hope and a roadmap.

This achievement reminds us that investing in education works when done thoughtfully and with heart.