Five schools within the Alpine School District have earned the 2025–2027 National PTA School of Excellence designation, according to a report published October 9. These schools represent half of the ten total institutions across Utah recognized by the program.
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 establish strong family-school partnerships using a five-step, data-driven process. While 321 schools nationwide received the designation, only 10 schools in the entire state of Utah achieved the honor.
Orchard Elementary School recently hosted a community celebration to unveil its official national banner and honor the team responsible for the achievement. Orchard PTA President Stephanie Savage stated that the school focused on communication after receiving parental feedback regarding the need for a sense of belonging. To reach their goals, Orchard's PTA launched eight new student clubs, connected over half the school via a parent communication app, doubled total PTA membership, and achieved 100% faculty participation.
Utah PTA President Julie Cluff said the program is designed to help PTAs connect their communities to schools by following National Standards for Family-School Partnerships. These standards include improving communication, welcoming families, and helping parents learn to advocate. Cluff noted that while the designation lasts for two years, schools can reapply annually to use the program as a roadmap for long-term growth.
Alpine School District Associate Superintendent Eric Woodhouse, who served as principal at the first Utah school to earn the designation 15 years ago, said these partnerships increase a school community's social capital. Woodhouse stated that the real value of the program lies in building the relationships, trust, and shared commitment necessary for lasting school improvement.
The School of Excellence designation remains in effect through the 2025–2027 period.
