Indianapolis, Indiana – Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS) are celebrating a major achievement as two of its campuses, Ernie Pyle School 90 and Thomas Carr Howe Middle School, have been named among America’s Healthiest Schools for 2025 by the Alliance for a Healthier Generation. This prestigious recognition places both schools in the company of a record-breaking 1,120 schools across 34 states and the District of Columbia that have been honored for their commitment to whole child health.
The annual list shines a spotlight on schools that champion evidence-based practices in nutrition, physical activity, health services, staff well-being, and family engagement. By recognizing schools for their holistic approach, the program underscores the idea that student success extends far beyond academics. This year, the evaluation framework encompassed nine key areas, including nutrition and food access, physical education and activity, school health services, social-emotional health, staff well-being, family and community engagement, local wellness policy, health education, and tobacco-free schools.
Ernie Pyle School 90 has been making strides in these areas under the leadership of Physical Education Teacher Cathy M. King. King emphasized the collaborative nature of the effort, noting the contributions of her colleagues and district support. “This recognition is a reflection of the great work our team is already doing every day,” she said. “I’m so proud of our staff and grateful for the support from Principal Jessica Barnes. We’re excited to display our new banner as a reminder of our commitment to wellness and continuous improvement. I also want to thank Kathy Langdon, the district’s coordinator for physical education and health, and Audrey Satterblom, the district’s wellness representative, for their support and encouragement.”
Meanwhile, Thomas Carr Howe Middle School has demonstrated a similar commitment to creating an environment where both students and staff can thrive physically, emotionally, and academically. Principal Dr. Jason Bletzinger praised the collective efforts of his school community in integrating wellness practices into daily routines. “T.C. Howe’s efforts reflect an unwavering commitment to fostering a learning environment where every student, faculty member, and staff can thrive physically, emotionally, and academically,” he said. “This achievement highlights our dedication in key areas such as supporting school health services, bolstering physical education and activity, implementing a comprehensive school wellness policy, and enriching health education. By prioritizing these essential components, we’ve created a holistic approach to student well-being that goes beyond the classroom. It’s a testament to the hard work of our school community and our shared belief that a healthy school is the foundation for a successful, vibrant future.”
Backed by national partners such as Del Monte Foods, Kaiser Permanente, and Kohl’s Cares, the Alliance for a Healthier Generation recognizes schools that prioritize the overall wellness of students, staff, and families. Of the 1,120 schools honored this year, 168 earned the prestigious All-Star distinction by meeting criteria across all nine evaluation areas, demonstrating a comprehensive approach to school health.
Kathy Higgins, CEO of the Alliance for a Healthier Generation, underscored the importance of these achievements. “Schools play a crucial role in shaping the health and well-being of our nation’s youth,” Higgins said. “These schools are leading the way in creating healthier futures for children and communities alike.”
Since the program’s inception in 2007, more than 3,300 schools have received recognition for their wellness efforts. The revised model, introduced in 2022, has expanded the reach and impact of the program, tripling recognition and increasing the number of All-Star schools fifteen-fold. This growth reflects a broader national commitment to whole child wellness, emphasizing that health, well-being, and academic achievement are deeply interconnected.
For IPS, this recognition is not just an accolade—it reflects the ongoing dedication of educators, staff, and administrators who are fostering safe and supportive learning environments. Both Ernie Pyle School 90 and Thomas Carr Howe Middle School serve as examples of how schools can integrate wellness into every aspect of student life, from nutritious meals and physical activity to social-emotional support and staff wellness initiatives.
As the school year continues, both campuses plan to build on this recognition, seeking to strengthen efforts in all nine evaluation areas and move closer to All-Star status. Their achievements demonstrate the power of collaborative effort, thoughtful policy, and a commitment to creating environments where students, teachers, and families can flourish together.
For those interested in exploring the full list of recognized schools or learning more about the program, visit healthiergeneration.org.
