Rancho Verde Elementary School - Brownsville, TX

At Rancho Verde Elementary, "Our mission is to provide the highest quality of education in a positive, safe, and united environment for all students." However, the unofficial mission statement is, "If it's good for kids, DO IT!" All available time is used for instruction, even blocks of time before and after school. Classroom learning is often student-led, including student discussion groups, STEM hands-on projects, and student-created anchor charts. To explore a variety of interests, students may choose from twelve extra-curricular activities. Partnering with parents and community members through a wealth of activities contributes to the academic success of RVE students.

RVE is goal-oriented. Administrators hold individual goal-setting conferences with each third through fifth grade student. During this conference, scores on previous diagnostic assessments are discussed, students analyze their own performance, and they set realistic yet challenging goals for future testing. Everyone celebrates success when goals are achieved.

RVE encourages students to take on leadership roles. Peer tutors clarify content skills for struggling students. Members of the Principal's Cabinet lead the morning announcements and act as ambassadors at school events. Members of the Breakfast Club read aloud to younger students. In school clubs, students teach each other in multi-grade settings.

Beyond curriculum, assessment, and the daily work of school, the key to success at RVE is that staff members strive to build positive relationships with each student. When staff members show students that they care, all educational elements are more effective. RVE is a place where children are valued and nurtured.