Inver Grove Heights Schools

AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination)
National Demonstration School: Designates schools that use teaching practices that are proven to help all students succeed and experience rigorous work. The few demonstration schools act as learning centers for other educators interested in the Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) system.

• Inver Grove Heights Middle School designated in 2018
• Inver Grove Heights Middle School passed required revalidation in 2021 to maintain designation

Lillie Suburban Newspapers
Readers' Choice Best School in the Southeastern Metro: Lillie Newspaper subscribers vote on their favorite local shops and organizations.

• Simley High School chosen five times between 2008-2019

Minnesota Association of Secondary School Principals (MASSP)
Star of Innovation Award: The Star of Innovation Award recognizes exemplary and innovative secondary school programming. 

• Simley Alternative Learning Program awarded in 2012
• Simley Academic Enhancement Program awarded in 2016
• Simley Certified Nursing Program awarded in 2019

Minnesota Department of Education
Badge of Excellence: The Minnesota Department of Education awards Badges of Excellence to schools that show outstanding success and improvement in different areas that affect every student's education. 

• The Atheneum Gifted Magnet Program earned Badges of Excellence for Consistent Attendance, Reading Progress, and Math Progress in 2018.
• Pine Bend Elementary School earned a Badge of Excellence for Consistent Attendance in 2018.
• Inver Grove Heights Middle School earned a Badge of Excellence for Reading Progress in 2018.
• The Simley Alternative Learning Program earned a Badge of Excellence for its Seven-Year Graduation Rate in 2018. 

Newsweek
America's Top High Schools: Newsweek ranked public schools across America based on their demographics and achievement.

• Simley High School recognized six times since 2008

U.S. Department of Education
Blue Ribbon School: The U.S. Department of Education recognizes National Blue Ribbon Schools for academic excellence and progress in closing achievement gaps.  

• Atheneum Gifted Magnet Program

U.S. News & World Report
Best High Schools: U.S. News & World Report, a widely trusted publication for institutional rankings, ranks the Best High Schools based on a range of factors, including math and reading performance and proficiency, underserved student performance, and college curriculum scope. 

• Simley High School ranked six times since 2016

U.S. News & World Report
Best Elementary Schools: U.S. News & World Report, a widely trusted publication for institutional rankings, began ranking the elementary schools in 2021. Public elementary school sin each state are ranked by state test performance, student-teacher ratios, school size, and related data points. 

• Atheneum ranked twice since 2021, including earning the No. 1 spot in 2023
• Pine Bend ranked once since 2021
• U.S. News did not publish a Best Elementary Schools List in 2022

The Washington Post
America's Most Challenging Schools: America's Most Challenging Schools are recognized based on students in college-earning classes, such as AP, and the school's graduation rate.    

• Simley High School recognized five times since 2013

Association of School Business Officials (ASBO) International Certificate of Excellence in Financial Reporting
Recognizes school districts for excellent reporting, accountability, and transparency practices. 

• Inver Grove Heights Schools has earned the certificate every year since 2005

BestPrep
Educator of Excellence: Each year, the Minnesota nonprofit BestPrep recognizes teachers, volunteers, and sponsors who go above and beyond in their commitment to educating Minnesota youth with business, career, and financial literacy skills.

• One winner in 2019

Education Minnesota
Teacher of the Year Award: The Teacher of the Year Award goes to one teacher each year. The winner is chosen from a large field of experienced and outstanding educators from across the state who go above and beyond for their students.

• Five nominees, two semifinalists, and one finalist from ISD 199 since 2014

Minnesota Association for Career & Technical Education Special Needs Personnel (MN ACTE SNP)
CTE Teacher of the Year Award: The CTE Teacher of the Year Award recognizes teachers, administrators, and transition services providers who demonstrate excellence and dedication to coordinating work-based learning programs for students with special needs.

• One winner in 2019

Technology and Information Educational Services (TIES)
Exceptional Teacher Award: The Exceptional Teacher Award recognized teachers for using technology to improve education for their students. ISD 199 teachers earned at least one Exceptional Teacher Award every year until 2018, when TIES was bought by Sourcewell Technology.

• 28 ISD 199 educators recognized between 2005-2018

The College Board
AP Scholar Awards: AP Scholar Awards recognize high school students for earning outstanding scores on their college-level Advanced Placement (AP) exams. 

• 1,109 ISD 199 students awarded since 2009 

Spotlight Education Honors: Spotlight Education Honors recognize high school theatre programs and the students who make them excellent. Students win crew awards as well as individual awards for performances and technical leadership. 

• 29 recognitions since 2017

National Merit Scholarship Corporation
National Merit Scholarship: National Merit Scholarships are awarded to students who demonstrate excellence in and out of the classroom.

• Three winners, three semifinalists, and a commended student from Simley High School

U.S. Department of Education
U.S. Presidential Scholar: Fewer than 200 students nationwide are chosen as U.S. Presidential Scholars each year. Scholars demonstrate excellence in academics, the arts, leadership, citizenship, and service to their school and community.

• Simley High School student chosen in 2017