Eminence Elementary

Why Eminence Elementary was nominated

In 2012 Eminence Independent School District ignited its School on FIRE model, from PK to 12. Envisioning the Disney World of schools, the School on FIRE model is designed to develop world-class students and empower them to be risk-takers, collaborators, communicators, leaders, and visionaries. These outcomes are expressed in the Eminence Exemplars, the district’s version of a graduate portrait, which have been built out into grade-level standards across all grades, PK-12. With a STEAM approach, their learning model embraces experiential learning using advanced science, emerging technologies, applied engineering skills, and artistic design. Classroom experiences are designed to capture the heart and imagination of students, driven by the tenets of ‘Surprise & Delight’ and ‘Yes, And’ thinking! The Edhub is a multimedia, tech-enabled, play-based learning space in the school building shared by elementary, middle, and high school students and staff. Students actively engaged in learning by moving, creating, and doing; student work is displayed everywhere; and teachers create meaningful moments of both joy and productive struggle in every grade, every subject, every year. The school’s personalized, passion-based approach is supported by standards-based grading and micro-credentials; panel defenses in 5th, 8th, and 12th grade; seasonal rites of passage; and a design thinking curriculum.