Two schools in the School District of Indian River County have been named 2026 Exceeding Expectations Award Schools by the Educational Consortium of Teaching and Learning Academies of Central Florida, known as ECTAC. In addition, one Indian River school has been recognized as a Rising Star for outstanding academic growth.
ECTAC launched the Exceeding Expectations Project in 2012 to identify high poverty schools that demonstrate exceptional progress in improving student achievement. Using 2025 School Grade data, ECTAC reviewed performance among more than 3,400 schools statewide. Only 61 schools met the initial criteria established by the Exceeding Expectations volunteer Criteria Development Committee.
The 2026 award criteria considered multiple measures, including student achievement, learning gains, achievement among ESSA student subgroups, and the percentage of economically disadvantaged students. Schools were evaluated within their grade level categories, including elementary, middle, high, and combination schools. Eligible schools also completed a Commitment to Participate Survey and application to validate performance data and provide deeper insight into their success.
Indian River County’s recognized schools are:
Exceeding Expectations Award Schools
Fellsmere Elementary School
Gifford Middle School
Rising Star School
Dodgertown Elementary School
Rising Star schools are defined as schools serving student populations above the 2025 state poverty average of 68.8 percent that improved by two letter grades from 2024 to 2025.
“These recognitions highlight the dedication, innovation, and commitment of our educators and school leaders,” said district leadership. “Fellsmere Elementary, Gifford Middle, and Dodgertown Elementary exemplify what is possible when high expectations are paired with strong instructional practices and a belief in every child’s potential.”
ECTAC Director Maria Longa shared that the Exceeding Expectations Project reflects more than just performance data. “Behind every data point is a story of determination, innovation, and hope. These schools remind us of what is possible when belief, leadership, and relentless commitment come together on behalf of students.”
Recognized schools will be honored at the Exceeding Expectations Conference, scheduled for Wednesday, June 10 through Friday, June 12, 2026, at the Renaissance Orlando at SeaWorld. The conference will feature keynote speaker Ron Clark of the Ron Clark Academy, award school presentations, Rising Star panels, and a recognition luncheon.
Indian River County is proud to celebrate these schools for their leadership in student achievement and for serving as models of excellence for communities across Florida.