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January 27, 2026 | DENVER -- This afternoon, Colorado Education Commissioner Susana Córdova joined DSST Chief Executive Officer Nella García Urban and DSST: Cedar Middle School Principal Elin Curry to celebrate DSST: Cedar Middle School receiving a 2025 Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) Distinguished Schools of Excellence Award.
ESEA Awards are given annually to Title I schools - those with 35% or more economically disadvantaged students - showing improvement in one or more of three categories:
- Exceptional student performance and academic growth for two or more consecutive years
- Closing the achievement gap between student groups for two or more consecutive years
- Excellence in serving special populations of students (e.g., homeless, migrant, English learners, etc.)
DSST: Cedar Middle School received an ESEA Award for its work serving students from special populations with a focus on students who are multilingual learners and experiencing poverty. The school has 489 middle school students and earned a National Blue Ribbon award in 2019.
“It’s an honor to recognize DSST: Cedar Middle School for the collective effort of its students, educators, and families,” Córdova said. “This recognition reflects a shared commitment to student growth and shows what can happen when a school community comes together with high expectations and a clear focus on learning.”
DSST CEO Urban said: “DSST: Cedar Middle School community embodies what is possible when a school leads with equity, high expectations and unwavering commitment to its students. Being honored with an ESEA Distinguished Schools of Excellence Award is a testament to the school’s dedication to serving students from special populations with excellence and dignity. Congratulations to our students, teachers, leaders and families. We are grateful to Commissioner Córdova for recognizing this work and deeply proud of the Cedar team for living our mission so powerfully.
DSST: Cedar Middle School Principal Curry said: “Every day, our team shows up with deep belief in our students and a commitment to meeting them exactly where they are. This award affirms the extraordinary work happening in our classrooms to ensure students from all backgrounds, especially those from special populations, are seen, supported and empowered to thrive. I’m incredibly proud of our students, our staff and our community for making this recognition possible.”
Since 1996, the National Association of ESEA State Program Administrators has honored schools nationwide for their innovation in helping Title I students achieve high educational standards. Winners are selected by the National Association of ESEA State Program Administrators. Visit the National ESEA Distinguished Schools webpage for more information about the program.
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