• Category 1

    Selected in 2024

  • Grades: pre k - 5
    School Setting: urban
    Town Population: 190,158
    Student Enrollment: 575
    Student Demographics:

    Black/African American: 0%
    White/Caucasian: 0.9%
    Hispanic: 97.9%
    Hawaiian/Pacific Islander: 0%
    Asian: 0.7%
    Native American: 0%
    Other: 0.5%

    Teacher/Student Ratio: 1:22
    % Reduced Lunch: 100%
    % ELL Learners: 28%
    Founded: 2004
  • PRINCIPAL:
    Julie Peña
  • CONTACT:
    2500 W Alton Gloor Blvd
    Brownsville, TX 78521
    956-698-1100
    jpena1@bisd.us
Solomon P. Ortiz Elementary School
Brownsville, TX
"By leveraging relationships, the school has created a strong network of support that empowers students to achieve their full potential."
1. Tell us about your school’s success.
Ortiz Elementary' s success, includes being a Texas A rated campus, a 2023 National Blue Ribbon School, Gold Ribbon School by Children At Risk in 2024, a 2024 America’s Best Schools Silver Award by the National Center for Urban School Transformation, and being rated #50 out of 6,609 public elementary schools in the state of Texas by U.S. News and World Report’s Best Elementary Schools for 2025.
2. Talk about the greatest contributing factor(s) that promoted positive change in your school.
One of the cornerstones of our success is our teachers’ use of the 3-tier instructional model, which includes whole-group, small-group, and individual instruction. This approach allows us to tailor learning experiences to meet the needs of every student.
Data plays a vital role in our strategy. Both administration and teachers regularly review and analyze student performance data. After district benchmarks, additional planning time is provided for teachers to design targeted instruction that spirals skills students have yet to master. This data-driven approach ensures that instruction remains focused and effective.
A key component of our instructional process is regrouping students based on their evolving needs. This flexibility ensures that each student receives the specific support or enrichment required for their academic growth. Programs like our extended day and after school tutorials complement these efforts, providing tools for both remediation and acceleration.
3. How has ESEA funding supported the school's success?
The Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) funding has played a significant role in supporting the success of U.S. Congressman Solomon P. Ortiz Elementary School. This funding enables the implementation of programs aimed at improving academic outcomes, such as supplemental tutoring, literacy initiatives, and enhanced STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) education. ESEA funds have helped train teachers in effective instructional methods, data-driven decision-making, and innovative teaching strategies. This empowers educators to address diverse student needs and improve overall teaching quality. Funding has been used to purchase educational technology and update classroom resources, ensuring that students have access to a conducive learning environment. ESEA funding has been used to strengthen collaboration with families and communities by allowing us to host workshops, improving communication channels, and involving parents in their children’s education.
4. What professional development activities were used to improve teaching and learning?
Professional development activities at U.S. Congressman Solomon P. Ortiz Elementary School align with best practices aimed at improving teaching and learning outcomes. We also focus on data-driven and evidence-based approaches to enhance instructional quality. We've had training on how to align lesson plans with state standards (e.g., Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills, TEKS).
we have also had workshops on strategies to meet the diverse needs of learners, including English Language Learners (ELLs) and students with special needs. There have been sessions led by curriculum specialists to refine skills in areas such as literacy, math and science. Teachers collaborate in grade-level teams to analyze student performance data, share best practices, and develop intervention plans for struggling students.
Professional development on integrating educational technology into the classroom, and training to help teachers better support students' emotional well-being.
5. Talk about the cultural shift leading up to your school's success.
The cultural shift at US Congressman Solomon P. Ortiz Elementary focused on fostering collaboration, accountability, and high expectations. Teachers embraced a shared vision of student success, leveraging Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) to analyze data, share strategies, and address challenges. Leadership prioritized professional development to equip staff with tools for differentiated instruction and culturally responsive teaching. A commitment to building strong relationships with students and families created a supportive learning environment. By aligning goals, enhancing communication, and celebrating achievements, the school cultivated a culture of excellence that drove its success.
6. How has community involvement strengthened your success?
Community involvement has been vital to the success of US Congressman Solomon P. Ortiz Elementary. Partnerships with local organizations have provided resources for academic programs, technology, and extracurricular activities, enriching student learning experiences. Our C.A.R.E. partners provide emotional support to our students on a monthly basis. Parent engagement initiatives, such as workshops and volunteer opportunities, have strengthened the home-school connection, fostering a supportive environment for students. Events celebrating cultural diversity have built trust and pride among families, uniting the community around shared goals. By leveraging these relationships, the school has created a strong network of support that empowers students to achieve their full potential.
Stats
  • Category 1

    Selected in 2024

  • Grades: pre k - 5
    School Setting: urban
    Town Population: 190,158
    Student Enrollment: 575
    Student Demographics:

    Black/African American: 0%
    White/Caucasian: 0.9%
    Hispanic: 97.9%
    Hawaiian/Pacific Islander: 0%
    Asian: 0.7%
    Native American: 0%
    Other: 0.5%

    Teacher/Student Ratio: 1:22
    % Reduced Lunch: 100%
    % ELL Learners: 28%
    Founded: 2004
  • PRINCIPAL:
    Julie Peña
  • CONTACT:
    2500 W Alton Gloor Blvd
    Brownsville, TX 78521
    956-698-1100
    jpena1@bisd.us