Burton IB Elementary School is making history as student academic growth continues to grow and exceed expectations. Student scores increased 11 percent over 2024, and seven percent from 66 to 73 percent this year, earning the school a B grade– the highest report card grade in the history of the school. Students not only met but exceeded growth expectations over school year 2024.
Principal Dr. Tiffany Boss credits her entire staff for not just creating an environment that prepares students for success but one that is a welcoming, safe space for students and staff.
“We don’t dread coming to work,” said Amy Sanchez, Burton’s IB PYP Magnet Coordinator. “It’s all hands on deck.”
The annual Teacher Working Conditions survey notes that a strong relationship has been built among staff, students, and administration, which translates to a common mindset and vision for Burton, according to Sanchez. “We want the same thing,” she said.
Input is solicited from staff, to include the school’s specialists, global language teachers, treasurer, trained interventionists, Spanish interpreter, bookkeeper, and parent liaison. One teacher from each classroom is assigned for 30 minutes each day for interventions.
Perhaps this is because Dr. Boss invites her staff and students to contribute to the daily lesson planning. “I have a really strong distributive leadership model,” said Dr. Boss.
Sanchez also adds that Burton’s growth is a reflection of intentional collaboration among teachers, students, and families.
“Our teachers have fully embraced the IB philosophy,” she said. “They design learning experiences that challenge students to think deeply and make connections across disciplines. The results we’re seeing are proof that when students are engaged and see purpose in their learning, they excel.”
Burton’s faculty has worked collaboratively and strategically to align instruction with IB standards while incorporating rigorous academic practices. At Burton, students take ownership of their academic journeys, which results in higher engagement and measurable achievement gains.
The school’s growth is also tied to a strong sense of community. Families are active partners in the learning process, and Burton’s teachers routinely collaborate across grade levels to ensure a cohesive and supportive environment for every child.
Even families who leave the school for one reason or another return for events, according to Destiny Chevis, who serves as Burton’s Teacher and Learning Coach and Principal Intern.
Burton hosts a variety of family engagement opportunities at least once a month in person— a major piece of the school’s culture—to include Dads in Action and schoolwide boys mentorship programs. Parents also volunteer weekly at the school as well.
Sanchez added that a collaborative, celebratory culture is extremely important.
“It’s about more than test scores,” Sanchez added. “It’s about developing confident, curious learners who are prepared to make a difference in the world. That’s what the IB program is all about.”
Meeting students where they are and learning their interests is equally as important, adds Robert Oechslin, AIG Specialist. “At Burton, there are opportunities across the board for everyone. We have a soccer team, basketball, and track. We have athletics, Odyssey of the Mind, Battle of the Books, Science Olympiad, chorus, cheer, dance, Scouts, all of the ways children have to try different things and see who they are that they may not have an opportunity to do until middle school.”
Oeschlin notes that many families make the decision to enroll their children in schools based on the availability of activities like the aforementioned.
Staff buy-in builds a strong culture too, says Chevis. “We have created a space where staff members can easily vocalize what they need.”
Having a leader with vision is a plus, says Sanchez.
“It can be overwhelming with the magnet theme and Capturing Kids Hearts. Our overarching theme is ‘We are racing towards excellence together’. Everyone plays a part in that. In the last family engagement event, students know they have their academic goals. What strengths do you bring? If it’s packaged together well, and if it’s well connected, then people will feel empowered,” said Sanchez.
As Burton continues its upward trajectory, it continues to demonstrate how to create lasting academic success through empowerment and collaboration.