AMES, Iowa — The latest school performance profiles from the state of Iowa are in, and one special elementary school is celebrating the prestigious achievement of receiving the state's highest rating.
In the eyes of Principal Justin Jeffs and his staff, Kate Mitchell Elementary School in Ames isn’t just any school.
"I love everything about Kate Mitchell. We have the best students, the best families and the best staff around and I feel so supported here," fourth grade teacher Amanda Kabrick told Local 5.
For fellow fourth grade teacher Amanda Bartelson, it's about the climate and culture they've built.
"We are a smaller school in our district, and we have a lot of obstacles in front of us," Bartleson said. "But we always overcome those obstacles."
With over 40% of the student population qualifying for free and reduced school lunches, Mitchell Elementary is classified as a Title 1 school. Their population is also diverse, with nearly 10% of students are English-language learners, according to Jeffs.
But diversity is the difference maker at Kate Mitchell. The staff is focused on meeting students exactly where they are, no matter what.
"It's taken some time, but we have the culture and climate right," Jeffs told Local 5. "We're able to move all arrows in the same direction, and we're reaping the benefits of that.”
In the latest set of the Iowa Department of Education report cards for schools, Mitchell Elementary came out on top. The school received an "exceptional" rating for the first time in several years.
“Only 1.6% of all K-12 schools in the state of Iowa, every building, received the top honor or rating of exceptional," Jeffs said, adding that 1.6% is about 21 schools in all of Iowa.
The state’s report cards considers multiple performance factors, including participation, growth, and academic achievement. Kate Mitchell's overall score was the fifth highest in all of Iowa.
Staff at Kate Mitchell are honored by the achievement, but not surprised. In his nearly 12 years as principal, Jeffs has worked diligently to elevate his staff and students.
"I've been very appreciative of my experience here. I've had so much support all around, and the kids have been wonderful," fifth grade teacher Anna Rood said. "They've challenged me as a person and as a teacher."
Many of the staff members attribute the school's success to Jeffs' leadership.
"The kids know that I talk to principal Jeffs every day, and the kids can feel that it's a community here," fifth grade teacher Veronica Standish said.
Student and family advocate Jean Muhammad helps connect families at the school with community resources. She believes that parents choose to send their kids to Kate Mitchell because of the accepting environment.
“Parents sense an attitude of nonjudgment. I you are struggling right now, and you need some food, you can feel comfortable telling the counselor, the teacher, the secretary, anyone knowing that you're not going to be judged for that," Muhammad said.
More than anything, students are taught to embrace what makes them unique, and celebrate one another.
“The community and everybody is nice and respectful and thoughtful and safe, and the teachers are really nice," fourth grader Zaelynn Nickle told Local 5. "It's like a second family. "
Classmate Carson Mccoi certainly agrees.
“Everybody's kind here," said Mccoi. "It's the best school ever.”