STARS Accelerated High School has been named a 2024-2025 Capturing Kids’ Hearts National Showcase School, a prestigious honor awarded to campuses that demonstrate excellence in building a culture where students feel safe, connected, and engaged.
The Capturing Kids’ Hearts National Showcase Schools® Award recognizes schools that go above and beyond in creating an environment where students thrive academically and emotionally. For the 2024-25 school year, the Capturing Kids’ Hearts National Showcase Schools® Award was granted to 867 schools across the United States. Through the Capturing Kids’ Hearts® Process, educators at STARS have been equipped with relationship-building tools and processes that help them foster student success and a positive campus culture.
“This is a tremendous honor and a direct reflection of the heart, dedication, and passion every staff member brings to our campus every single day,” said Margaret Rodriquez, STARS Principal. “This recognition is not just a title—it’s a celebration of the culture we’ve created together. A culture where students feel seen, valued, and loved, where relationships are at the core of learning, and where we lift one another up with intentional kindness, encouragement, and care. Our staff has embraced the mission of teaching with the heart in mind, and it shows in every hallway, every classroom, and every connection made on our campus.”
“To our incredible staff and students: THANK YOU. Thank you for believing in this work. Thank you for giving your all. And thank you for making this the best school—not just in name, but in spirit.”
Each year, Capturing Kids’ Hearts recognizes schools across the country for their commitment to transforming their campus environments through a relational approach to education. Schools that receive this designation have shown measurable progress in student connectedness, academic achievement, and overall school culture.
For more information about Capturing Kids’ Hearts and the National Showcase Schools Award, visit: https://www.capturingkidshearts.org/