Schools That Work

Humboldt Elementary

Public, Rural
Grades K-6
Dewey-Humboldt, AZ

Positioned in Dewey-Humboldt, a small town with a rich mining history, Humboldt Elementary used to be known as the “little school down the hill.” Fifteen years ago, expectations for its students were low, and it was a fraction of a point from being labeled “under-performing” by the state of Arizona. New leadership and a data-driven approach have led to a dramatic turnaround and national accolades for their successes.

  • 2010 National Blue Ribbon School
  • 2013 Title I Distinguished School
  • Outperformed the state on all standardized tests since at least 2010
  • Differentiated Instruction

    Small Group Work With “I Choose”

    When teachers began asking for time to work with students in small groups, Humboldt Elementary found the time for them.
  • Differentiated Instruction

    Making Differentiation Possible

    A 30-minute block for either an elective or extra support made small-group interventions feasible in large classes.
  • Parent Partnership

    Sharing Data to Create Stronger Parent Partnerships

    By sending home detailed data reports that focus on a specific skill, Humboldt opens a two-way line of communication with parents about their child's learning.
  • Parent Partnership

    Demystifying Student Data for Parents

    Visit an elementary school that shares student data with parents so they can help their kids with homework.
  • Assessment

    Making Student Data Part of the Conversation

    Humboldt Elementary, a school once on the verge of being labeled under-performing, turned to data to move the bar on student success.

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