George Washington High School has been named a School of Promise by the National Institute for Excellence in Teaching, according to an announcement on Apr. 27. The award recognizes schools that show a strong commitment to instructional excellence and ongoing improvement.
The recognition highlights the school’s efforts to prioritize high-quality teaching and learning as central parts of its improvement strategy. Indianapolis Public Schools serves over 30,000 students and emphasizes racial equity as a core strategic priority, according to the official website.
“For us, this recognition affirms the intentional work we’ve done to ensure every classroom is a place of high expectations, strong relationships, and rigorous instruction,” said Principal Dr. Stanley Law. “Through our partnership with NIET, we have strengthened our instructional systems, built leadership capacity within our staff, and created a culture where continuous improvement is the norm.”
In recent years, George Washington High School has seen gains in SAT and PSAT performance, improved freshman on-track rates, and higher graduation rates. Law said these improvements are connected to student-centered instruction supported by practices such as collaborative professional learning communities and targeted coaching.
At the heart of these achievements is what Law described as collective efficacy among educators: “This award belongs to our teachers, instructional leaders, and students,” Dr. Law added. “It reflects the daily commitment of our staff to grow professionally and to meet the diverse needs of every scholar we serve.”
Indianapolis Public Schools provides services through a network of schools serving families in central Indianapolis according to its official website. The district focuses on fostering academic excellence through tailored education in a dynamic setting according to its official website.
As part of this honor, George Washington High School will receive $5,000 for professional learning supports for educators and students. A celebration event will be held Friday, May 8 with participation from NIET representatives along with students and community partners.
