Dear Weston School Community,
I am incredibly proud to share that Country School has been named a 2026 National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP) National Gold Star School. This is a prestigious honor—Country School is one of only 57 schools recognized nationwide this year and the first school in Massachusetts to receive this distinction.
While this is a specific victory for the Country School team, it reflects the high standard of excellence we strive for across our entire district. Please see the original announcement from Principal Erin Maguire included below for more details on this achievement, and join me in celebrating the dedication of the Country School faculty, staff, and students.
All my best,
Dr. Karen Zaleski
Superintendent
Dear Country School Families,
I am thrilled to announce that Country School has been named a 2026 NAESP National Gold Star School! This recognition reflects years of collective effort to build a learning community that supports and uplifts all learners. I am incredibly proud of our work and honored to receive this distinction.
The National Gold Star School® program recognizes outstanding elementary and middle-level schools where learning communities collaborate to foster continuous improvement and ensure student success. In an increasingly complex educational landscape, this recognition highlights Country School as a national exemplar—one that goes beyond academic achievement by cultivating a strong school culture, empowering individuals at every level, and implementing systems that support sustained excellence. NAESP commends our entire school community for its dedication, leadership, and commitment to students, families, and staff. Country School is one of only 57 schools recognized this year, and the only Massachusetts school.
While we have known for a few weeks (and may have dropped a few hints along the way), today is the day we can celebrate this news publicly. Please keep an eye out for a District communication highlighting this accomplishment. This recognition reflects not only Country School but also the shared commitment to excellence across all five of our schools.
Please join me in congratulating and celebrating the Country School faculty and staff for their collective efforts and unwavering commitment to showing up for our students and one another each day.
With tremendous pride,
Erin Maguire
Principal
Country School
Weston, MA
