Cherokee Elementary School Named a National Bright Spot for Literacy Achievement

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — At Cherokee Elementary School, literacy is more than learning to read. It is the foundation for discovery, confidence, and a lifetime of learning. Every day, students are encouraged to find their voice, explore new ideas, and build the skills that will help them thrive.

Now, that commitment to literacy is being recognized on a national stage.

Cherokee Elementary School has been named a Bright Spot by The 74, a nonprofit newsroom covering education across the country. The recognition celebrates schools nationwide where students are thriving in literacy education, with a particular focus on schools whose third-grade literacy achievement is outperforming expectations.

“This recognition is a wonderful reflection of the dedication and hard work of our students, teachers, and families,” said Cherokee Elementary Principal Brittany Walker. “Our students are growing as readers, building confidence, and developing the skills they need to be successful. We are incredibly proud of their accomplishments and grateful for the commitment of our entire Cherokee community.”

The Bright Spots Project is a data-journalism initiative of The 74 that highlights schools where students are achieving stronger-than-expected results in literacy. These exceptional schools are in the top 5% of their state in terms of outscoring their expected reading proficiency. By recognizing schools that are beating the odds, the project aims to celebrate student success and shine a light on the educators and communities helping make those achievements possible.

At Cherokee, literacy growth is rooted in a shared commitment to student achievement and a belief that every child has the potential to succeed. Through dedicated instruction, meaningful learning experiences, and strong partnerships between educators and families, students are building the foundational reading skills that support success across every subject.

“Cherokee Elementary’s recognition as a Bright Spot is a tremendous accomplishment and a testament to the power of dedicated educators, engaged families, and students who are rising to meet high expectations,” said Scottsdale Unified School District Superintendent Dr. Scott Menzel. “Literacy is foundational to everything our students do, and we are proud to celebrate the work happening at Cherokee. This recognition reminds us of what is possible when a school community comes together with a shared commitment to student success.”

The Bright Spot recognition provides a national platform to celebrate Cherokee’s literacy achievement and highlight the work taking place across Scottsdale Unified School District to help students reach their full potential.

For Cherokee students and staff, the honor is a reminder that the work happening in their classrooms matters, and that every new skill, every book opened, and every milestone reached is a step toward a brighter future.

For more information about Cherokee Elementary School visit: cherokee.susd.org

Media Contacts:

• Kristine Harrington, (480) 404-2417, kristineharrington@susd.org; 
• Cymphanie Sherman, 602-615-7325, csherman@susd.org

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With nearly 20,000 students in all schools, the Scottsdale Unified School District (SUSD) has been a premier choice for pre-kindergarten through grade 12 public education for 130 years. Located northeast of metropolitan Phoenix, the District serves the educational needs of students and families in Phoenix, Paradise Valley, Fountain Hills, Tempe, and Scottsdale. A highly experienced, professionally certified teaching staff fosters a diverse and rigorous educational environment that engages all students in world-class, future-focused learning. Offering gifted learning, special education, career and technical education, and a variety of athletics, arts and enrichment programs and clubs, SUSD provides the rich environment today’s students need to explore their interests, develop important social skills, and grow into tomorrow’s leaders. For more information, visit www.susd.org and follow along on social media: Facebook: @ScottsdaleUSD, Instagram: @ScottsdaleUnifiedSD, LinkedIn and YouTube.