Pharr Elementary school earns national recognition

     Pharr Elementary School has been named a 2026 National Gold Star School® (NGSS) by the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP). This national recognition honors outstanding elementary and middle-level schools demonstrating exemplary performance and a commitment to continuous improvement. Pharr is one of only two schools in Georgia to receive this distinction for 2026.

“It is an amazing honor and a humbling moment for our entire Pharr Elementary School community to be recognized as one of only two schools in Georgia to receive the 2026 NAESP National Gold Star School recognition,” shares Dr. Shamarlas Allens, principal of Pharr Elementary School. “This honor reflects the collective commitment of our students, teachers, staff, and families who work tirelessly every day to live our school motto, which is excellence in education for all students. We are proud to represent Gwinnett County Public Schools and are thankful that the work happening at Pharr is being recognized on a national level.”

     The National Gold Star School® program recognizes schools in which learning communities collaborate to foster student success while building a strong culture that extends beyond academic achievement. Honorees are celebrated for empowering people at every level, cultivating inclusive and supportive environments, and implementing systems that promote sustained excellence.

     Through the NGSS framework, NAESP highlights schools demonstrating success across three core pillars—established culture, empowered people, and optimal systems. These pillars are grounded in priorities such as inclusive practices, trusting relationships, high expectations for growth, and a focus on the well-being of students and staff. Pharr Elementary’s selection reflects the meaningful and intentional work taking place daily among its students, staff, and families, all of whom contribute to a thriving learning environment focused on growth and success for every child.

“The foundation to our school’s success is being intentional about developing a school with one door, and behind every door is the absolute value of success, where we champion all students, teachers, staff, and families to uphold high expectations for academic excellence and the development of students’ social-emotional growth,” Dr. Allens shares. “We developed our three Big Rocks as our areas of focus: learning, collaboration, and results. We have established a structured system that promotes Professional Learning Communities grounded in strong relationships and collaborative leadership, where students and teachers are empowered, and a culture of high-level family engagement is continuously fostered. We have created a learning environment where students and staff are inspired to thrive and achieve at high levels.”