Five schools within the Alpine School District have been named 2025–2027 National PTA Schools of Excellence, according to an October 9 statement.
These five schools represent half of the ten total schools across the state of Utah recognized with the designation.
The recognized schools include Central Elementary School, Fox Hollow Elementary School, Oak Canyon Junior High School, Orchard Elementary School, and Saratoga Shores Elementary School.
The National PTA School of Excellence program identifies PTAs that build strong family-school partnerships using a data-driven, five-step process. Out of 321 schools nationwide, these five Alpine School District institutions were among the select group honored.
Utah PTA President Julie Cluff stated that the program is designed to help PTAs connect their communities to their schools by working around National Standards for Family-School Partnerships. According to Cluff, the program focuses on welcoming, improving communication, and helping parents learn to advocate.
While the designation lasts for two years, schools have the option to reapply annually to set new goals. Cluff described the process as a roadmap that provides ideas and tips to help schools be successful.
Orchard Elementary School recently held a community celebration to unveil its official national banner. Orchard PTA President Stephanie Savage said the school's primary focus was on communication to create a sense of belonging for families.
To reach their goals, Orchard's PTA launched eight new student clubs, connected over half the school on a parent communication app, doubled total PTA membership, and achieved 100% faculty participation.
Alpine School District Associate Superintendent Eric Woodhouse, who served as principal at the first Utah school to earn the designation 15 years ago, noted that strong parent partnerships increase the social capital of a school community.
Woodhouse said the real value of the program is building the relationships, trust, and shared commitment necessary for lasting school improvement.
