NOMINATED — Wells Academy has been nominated as a National ESEA Distinguished School for outstanding academic performance while serving a high-need population and was only one of two Ohio schools selected for distinction. -- Contributed

STEUBENVILLE — Wells Academy is in line for countrywide recognition as a 2026 National ESEA Distinguished School nominee.

The Elementary and Secondary Education ActDistinguished Schools Program is a project of National Association of ESEA State Program Administrators, which publicly recognizes qualifying federally-funded schools for positive educational advances and the outstanding academic achievement of their students. Established in 1996, the program showcases hundreds of schools identified by the State Education Agency for their success in one of three categories: Students exhibiting exceptional student performance and academic growth; schools that have closed the achievement gap between student groups; and schools that show excellence in serving special populations of students, including homeless pupils to English learners.

School officials were informed by the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce in a letter from Office of Federal Programs Administrator Jeremy S. Marks, which indicated that Wells Academy was one of two Ohio schools to be nominated and was lauded in the first category.

“Each year, my office has the honor of nominating up to two schools for this prestigious recognition from the National Association of ESEA State Program Administrators,” Marks stated. “This year, Ohio nominated Wells Academy for Category 1: Exceptional Student Performance for Two or More Consecutive Years. Once the nomination is made, the National ESEA Network will contact you about the recognition program and the opportunity to attend the national conference.”

He added that all nominated schools are officially recognized by the NAESPA at the national conference held at the Colorado Convention Center in Denver on Feb. 10-12, 2026. More than 3,000 people will attend the festivities to view exhibits and hear presentations from speakers. In addition, Wells Academy officials will attend and present at the spring 2026 Ohio Association of Administrators of State and Federal Education Programs conference in Columbus this April.

“We are proud to support your continued efforts and look forward to celebrating your achievements,” Marks continued.

Wells Principal Tommy Kotsanis was proud of the nomination and said it reflects the diligence of his staff and the school’s 350 PreK-4 students, as well as the support of district leaders.

“Wells Academy was selected for the National ESEA Distinguished Schools award for demonstrating outstanding academic achievement, often while serving a high-need population. State education agencies nominate up to two schools per state that meet specific criteria,” Kotsanis said. “I feel honored, humbled, and energized to keep advancing equity and excellence for every student. As principal of Wells Academy, I am grateful for the leadership of our board of education and superintendent who guide us toward this work.”

He noted that Wells has received nominations in the past and it had to meet various guidelines, such as having a poverty rate of at least 35 percent the selected year, but they may use the state’s average poverty rate to qualify a school if it is below that amount; demonstrating high academic achievement that may include high academic growth; meeting or exceeding state-determined accountability criteria; and being federally funded by one or more ESEA programs.

“Our school is honored to be nominated as a National ESEA Distinguished School. We are grateful for the leadership and guidance of our board of education and our superintendent, whose vision and unwavering support made this achievement possible. This nomination recognizes the dedication and impact of our students, staff, families and partners in delivering rigorous instruction and equitable opportunities,” Kotsanis concluded. “We are grateful for the nomination and view it as a call to renew our commitment to continuous improvement, data-driven practice, and inclusive excellence across our community. We thank the nominating bodies and our school community, and we will continue to pursue high standards in all our programs.”