Two Columbus elementary schools have earned national recognition for the way they look after students’ health. Columbus City Schools announced on October 28 that École Kenwood French Immersion and Winterset Elementary School were named among America’s Healthiest Schools for 2026 by the Alliance for a Healthier Generation. École Kenwood earned recognition in all nine of the program’s award categories, qualifying for its All-Star distinction, while Winterset was recognized for supporting school health services, the district said.
The program honors schools in up to nine areas, including school health services, nutrition and food access, physical education, health education, social-emotional learning, and family engagement, according to Columbus City Schools. The Alliance for a Healthier Generation’s own 2026 list confirms both schools and their categories, and recognition is renewed annually.
At Winterset Elementary, Principal Audra Pearson credited the people around the building’s students. “We are incredibly proud that Winterset Elementary has been recognized as one of America’s Healthiest Schools for our commitment to supporting school health services,” Pearson said in the district’s October 28 announcement. “This recognition reflects the dedication of our staff, families, school nurse, and community partners who work together to help our students stay healthy, safe, and ready to learn.”
The district said the honors reflect its whole-child approach, supporting students’ physical, mental and social-emotional well-being alongside academic growth. École Kenwood physical education teacher Bryan Ferres described what that looks like in the gym in the district’s announcement. “When a child discovers an activity they enjoy, they’re building more than physical skills. They’re building confidence, learning to work with others and finding another reason to feel connected to school,” Ferres said.
École Kenwood’s sweep of all nine categories builds on recognition the school also earned in 2024 and 2025, and the district pointed to collaboration among educators and school health professionals behind it. “Caring for the whole child means understanding how those needs fit together so students can return to learning with the support they need,” École Kenwood school nurse Jodi Van Zile said in the district’s announcement, describing how a nurse’s-office visit can also mean listening and connecting a child with another member of the team.
Winterset’s honor spotlights school health services — screenings, support for students with chronic conditions, and connections to additional care, according to the district. “Throughout the school year, we work to reduce barriers that can prevent students from accessing needed care,” Pearson said in the announcement, pointing to connections for dental care, immunizations, vision care, screenings and referrals so health needs do not stand in the way of learning.
That connection extends to whether children feel they belong at school. “Before students can take a chance on a difficult assignment or ask for help, they need to know they belong,” École Kenwood school counselor Norma Ortega said in the district’s announcement. Together, the district said, the recognition highlights a shared priority across Columbus City Schools: supporting the whole child in learning environments where children have the care and encouragement they need to grow.