East Sandy Elementary has been recognized as one of Utah’s best elementary schools according to the 2026 U.S. News & World Report rankings. The school earned the distinction as part of a broader achievement by the Canyons School District.
According to a notice posted on the school's website on October 27, 2026, 22 elementary schools and six middle schools within the Canyons School District placed among the top 40 percent of schools in the state. These rankings are significant given that Utah contains nearly 600 elementary schools and approximately 200 middle and junior high schools. The U.S. News & World Report methodology for these rankings focuses on state test scores, specifically the proportion of students demonstrating proficiency or above proficiency in reading and math. The scoring system weights test scores at 50 percent, while the remaining 50 percent is based on socioeconomic demographics.
The report evaluates schools based on six specific factors: College Readiness at 30 percent, State Assessment Proficiency at 20 percent, Underserved Student Performance at 10 percent, College Curriculum Breadth at 10 percent, Graduation Rate at 10 percent, and a second 20 percent weight for State Assessment Proficiency. The methodology indicates that top-ranked schools are characterized as high-achieving institutions that successfully educate all their students.
Canyons School District Superintendent Dr. McKay Robinson stated that the recognition of so many schools among Utah's top performers is a testament to the district's commitment to academic excellence and student success. Dr. Robinson noted that being honored across all grade levels demonstrates the strength built for students from kindergarten through graduation. The Superintendent also credited the board, educators, leaders, parents, and students for their dedication.
This recognition follows previous honors from U.S. News, which recently identified four traditional high schools within the Canyons School District as having "Best in Utah" status.
