CPS Schools Recognized Among America’s Healthiest Schools for 2026

 

Columbia Public Schools is celebrating districtwide recognition from Alliance for a Healthier Generation, with 34 CPS schools and programs named among America’s Healthiest Schools for 2026.

Healthier Generation, a national children’s health organization, recognized 1,376 K–12 schools nationwide this year for their commitment to advancing the health and well-being of students, staff, and school communities.

All 34 CPS schools and programs receiving recognition earned an award in “Supporting School Health Services”, which recognizes efforts to ensure students have access to services and resources that support their physical and mental health.

Two CPS schools earned additional recognition for their work in other areas of school health and wellness:

• Battle Elementary School was also recognized for “Improving Nutrition & Food Access,” highlighting efforts to support access to nutritious foods and healthy eating.
• Hickman High School was also recognized for “Cultivating Staff Well-Being,” recognizing practices that support the health and well-being of school employees.

The CPS schools and programs recognized as 2026 “America’s Healthiest Schools” are Alpha Hart Lewis Elementary, Gentry Middle School, Battle High School, Bethel Street Center, Beulah Ralph Elementary, Blue Ridge Elementary, Cedar Ridge Elementary, Center for Early Learning-North, Hickman High School, Derby Ridge Elementary, Battle Elementary, Fairview Elementary, Douglass High School, Jefferson Middle School, Lange Middle School, John Warner Middle School, Locust Street Expressive Arts Elementary, Paxton Keeley Elementary, Midway Heights Elementary, Mill Creek Elementary, New Haven Elementary, Oakland Middle School, Parkade Elementary, Ridgeway Elementary, Rock Bridge Elementary, Rock Bridge High School, Russell Boulevard Elementary, Shepard Boulevard Elementary, Smithton Middle School, Benton STEM Elementary, Two Mile Prairie Elementary, Grant Elementary, West Boulevard Elementary and West Middle School.

Healthier Generation’s annual America’s Healthiest Schools award program recognizes schools for implementing evidence-based policies and practices that support academic success and lifelong well-being. Schools can earn recognition across nine areas of health and wellness, including social-emotional health and learning, staff well-being, family and community engagement, nutrition and food access, school wellness policy, physical education and activity, health education, tobacco-free schools, and school health services.

The recognition reflects the work of CPS educators, staff, students, families and community partners to create school environments where students have the support they need to be healthy, engaged and ready to learn.

Alliance for a Healthier Generation’s 2026 America’s Healthiest Schools program is supported by Del Monte Foods, Kaiser Permanente, and Kohl’s Cares.