Highland Elementary School in the Ephrata Area School District has been named a 2025 Pennsylvania Blue Ribbon School, one of only 13 schools across the Commonwealth to receive this prestigious recognition from the Pennsylvania Department of Education.
“At Highland, we are a family. This honor belongs to every teacher, staff member, student, and family who has has helped make Highland Elementary School a place where learning is fostered, relationships are built, and every child feels supported, challenged, and inspired to succeed,” shared Mr. Brett Esbenshade, Highland Principal.
Highland Elementary was recognized for creating a safe, supportive, and engaging school environment that fosters both academic and personal growth. The school’s Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) program plays a central role, teaching and modeling expectations through its Highland Expected Behavior Matrix, classroom vision statements, and a monthly focus on the Ephrata Area School District’s Life Ready Graduate Profile dispositions. Students are celebrated weekly and monthly, with end-of-month Game Show Day events highlighting “Highland Heroes” who exemplify the school’s values.
“This recognition affirms the hard work and dedication of the Highland Elementary School staff and reflects the commitment of the entire Ephrata Area School District,” said EASD Superintendent Dr. Brian Troop. “We are very proud of the work being done in all of our schools, as we continue to focus on providing nurturing learning environments and academic programs designed to support growth in every student.”
Pennsylvania Blue Ribbon Schools will be formally honored during the 2025 SAS Institute in Hershey this December.
