Special to the Leader-Press
Three campuses in Copperas Cove ISD have earned nationwide honors for academic excellence.
Friday, the U.S. News & World Report announced Fairview/Jewell Elementary, Martin Walker Elementary and House Creek Elementary were each named to the publication’s Best Elementary Schools in the nation for 2027.
U.S. News & World Report’s “Best Schools” lists rank schools on their performance on state-required tests, graduation and how well they prepare students for the next step of their academic journey.
“We are incredibly proud of these three campuses and the work they do every day to make a positive impact on our students,” said Superintendent Dr. Brent Hawkins. “Each of the educators on these three campuses works tirelessly to ensure our students not only build a solid academic foundation, but that they find success in school and become enthusiastic about a lifetime of learning. This award proves that these talented educators and the Bulldawg Way are working and I look forward to seeing more campuses earn this type of recognition.”
Each of these campuses has earned this award for the first time, after earning the U.S. News & World Report’s “Best of Elementary Schools” for each of the past three years.
While the previous award represents the top half of elementary schools in the state, this one compares schools to other campuses across the United States.
Fairview/Jewell Elementary was ranked 770th in Texas, with the U.S. News & World Report citing 51% of students scoring as proficient or better in math and 62% in reading.
“We are incredibly proud to have Fairview/Jewell Elementary recognized as one of U.S. News & World Report’s Best Elementary Schools,” said FJE principal Vanessa Vazquez. “Our teachers and staff work extremely hard every day to do what is best for kids, and our students continue to rise to the expectations we set for them. It is exciting to see their hard work recognized in this way. I am proud of how our campus continues to grow and of the commitment our staff shows to helping every student succeed.”
Martin Walker Elementary was ranked 847th in Texas, with the publication citing 57% of student proficient or better in math and 60% in reading.
“I am overflowing with pride for our campus and the incredible work our students and staff do every single day,” said MWE principal Kelly Thompson. “While this award is an incredible honor, what makes me most proud is knowing the heart behind it. Our people show up every day committed to helping students grow, succeed, and feel that they belong. I couldn’t be more proud of our Martin Walker Elementary family.”
House Creek Elementary was ranked 962nd in Texas, with the U.S. News & World Report citing 60% of students proficient or better in math and 58% in reading.
“Being named to the U.S. News & World Report’s Best Elementary Schools rankings is an honor for all of us at House Creek Elementary,” said HCE principal Carolyn Jackson. “Our teachers care about the success of our students in all aspects of life. We strive to make a lasting, positive impact on every student, so they leave House Creek better prepared for life because they were part of our school. This achievement belongs to our entire campus family and inspires us to continue striving for excellence. At House Creek, we believe in Every Person, Every Day, Every Opportunity, and we are proud of the incredible things our Bulldawgs accomplish together.”
Each of these three campuses earned a “B” rating from the Texas Education Agency in August 2026, while also combining for nine total academic distinctions from the state.
Fairview/Jewell, Martin Walker and House Creek were also named to the Educational Results Partnership’s Texas Honor Roll in the Spring of 2026. For House Creek Elementary, that marked two straight years receiving the award.
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