Beyond the Data: LCS School Spotlight
From academic growth to student leadership, Charles England Elementary School is creating opportunities for Yellow Jackets to learn, lead and Be Somebody.
At Charles England Elementary School, student success is measured by more than test scores. It is reflected in students finding their voices, developing leadership skills, building confidence and discovering opportunities to learn beyond the classroom.
As part of Lexington City Schools' Beyond the Data: LCS School Spotlight series, Charles England Elementary is highlighting the people, programs and experiences helping students grow academically and personally.
Academic Progress Creates Momentum
Charles England Elementary entered the 2026–2027 school year with meaningful academic progress to celebrate.
According to the district's verified 2025–2026 accountability results, the school improved its School Performance Grade from a D to a C and met expected academic growth. Overall achievement reached 47.3%, while science proficiency increased by 11.3 percentage points to 61.3%.
For Principal Dr. Michael Courtwright, those accomplishments reflect the dedication of educators and a shared commitment to creating a learning environment where students feel supported and challenged.
The progress extends beyond academic results. Charles England was also recognized as an AttendNC Bright Spot School for its efforts to improve student attendance and engagement.
Together, these accomplishments provide a foundation for the school's continued focus on student achievement, engagement and belonging.
Helping Students Find Their Voices
One of the school's most visible examples of student leadership is its student news crew.
Through morning announcements, students have opportunities to practice public speaking, strengthen communication skills and take ownership of an important part of the school day.
Charles England's Jacket Ambassadors also represent their school at community events, building confidence while strengthening connections between students and the broader Lexington community.
The school is working to establish a student government, which will provide additional opportunities for students to contribute ideas, practice teamwork and learn about service and civic responsibility.
These experiences reinforce an important message: students are not simply preparing to become leaders someday. They are developing leadership skills now.
Learning Beyond the Classroom
Charles England is also expanding opportunities for students to connect classroom instruction with real-world experiences.
During the fall semester, the school plans to provide an off-campus field trip for every grade level. These experiences are designed to expose students to new environments, broaden their perspectives and make classroom learning more meaningful.
Through its partnership with the YMCA, Charles England also offers afterschool enrichment opportunities that support students' academic, social and personal development.
The school continues to benefit from faith-based and community partnerships that provide essential supplies, food assistance for families and gestures of appreciation for staff.
These relationships help strengthen the support system surrounding students, both inside and outside the classroom.
A School Where Every Yellow Jacket Can Be Somebody
Charles England's progress is also supported by a focus on positive relationships and school culture.
(Pictured: Dr. Michael Courtwright, Principal of Charles England Elementary School.)
In his school spotlight submission, Dr. Courtwright emphasized the importance of helping students recognize their own potential:
"At our school, we want every student to believe in themselves, dream big, embrace our Charles England mantra to Be Somebody, and recognize that they have the power to make a positive difference in their school, community, and world."
That belief connects the school's academic goals with its everyday commitment to student confidence, character and belonging.
As Charles England continues building on its progress, its focus remains on ensuring that every Yellow Jacket has opportunities to succeed, contribute and Be Somebody.
About Beyond the Data
Beyond the Data: LCS School Spotlight is a Lexington City Schools storytelling series highlighting the students, educators, programs, partnerships and school communities behind district progress. The series celebrates meaningful accomplishments and opportunities that extend beyond traditional measures of student achievement.