Huntington Elementary Named Foundation for LPS' Inspire School of the Year
The Foundation for Lincoln Public Schools is thrilled to announce Huntington Elementary School as the 2026 Inspire School of the Year. This award is the highest honor given to an LPS school or program, recognizing outstanding academic achievement and progress toward school improvement goals.
In addition to being named Inspire School of the Year, Huntington Elementary will receive $5,000 for its Fund for Excellence, which can be used at the principal’s discretion for staff appreciation, classroom supplies, student experiences, or other initiatives that enhance its positive impact on students, staff, and the broader community.
Huntington Elementary School earned this recognition for its extraordinary commitment to student and staff wellbeing, academic growth, and a culture grounded in connection. While the school proudly celebrates its official transition out of the Comprehensive Support and Improvement (CSI) designation from the Nebraska Department of Education, what sets Huntington apart was not simply a change in status; it was the transformational journey behind it. Faced with a designation that could have defined them, Huntington’s staff instead focused on possibility, grounding their work in strong relationships, high expectations, and the belief that every student can succeed.
That commitment has produced measurable results. Since 2022, Huntington has significantly increased proficiency rates across subjects, including English Language Arts, math, and science, as well as among English Learners. The school has also reduced behavior support calls by more than half and decreased chronic absenteeism through intentional relationship-building efforts. Most powerfully, the percentage of students reporting a true sense of belonging soared from 58% to 85% in just one year. Through schoolwide implementation of AVID Elementary strategies, strengthened professional collaboration, and a sustained focus on creating a safe and welcoming environment, Huntington has built not only academic momentum but also a strong foundation for long-term success.
