Brownsville ISD’s Ortiz Elementary earns national recognition, top state ranking

Ortiz Elementary School in Brownsville has achieved two recognitions that mark it as one of the top educational institutions in Texas, the Brownsville Independent School District stated in a news release.

The recognitions are:

>> The Elementary/Middle School Distinguished Performance Award by the National Association of ESEA State Program Administrators, and

>> A rank of 50th among U.S. News & World Report’s Best Elementary Schools for 2025.

The National ESEA Distinguished Performance Award recognizes schools demonstrating exceptional student performance and academic growth.

Ortiz Elementary will be honored in February at the National ESEA Conference in Austin. To qualify for this distinction, the school maintained exemplary performance standards over four consecutive academic years while serving a predominantly low-income student population, BISD stated in the release.

“The achievements we’ve earned validate our belief in every student’s potential and the strength of our partnerships with families and the community. These recognitions reaffirm the importance of fostering a culture of high expectations and teamwork. Everyone at Ortiz Elementary is an important piece of the team,” Ortiz Principal Julie Peña said.

The Texas Education Agency specifically acknowledged Ortiz Elementary as one of the highest-rated ESEA Distinguished Schools in the state, citing the school’s commitment to maintaining a quality educational program that serves as a model for other institutions.

Meanwhile, U.S. News & World Report ranked Ortiz Elementary in 50th place among all elementary schools in Texas, placing it in the top 40% statewide. The ranking is based on comprehensive criteria including student performance on state-required tests and preparation for higher education levels.

“Ortiz Elementary embodies our district’s mission to offer high-quality curricula, student-centered instruction, and exceptional programs for all our students. These accomplishments illustrate the remarkable influence of our educators and the unwavering support of our community,” BISD Superintendent Jesus H. Chavez stated in the release.

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