Sheridan Elementary School celebrates outstanding 94.4% IREAD passing rate

Submitted by Sheridan Community Schools

Sheridan Elementary School (SES) announces its outstanding IREAD scores, with 94.4 percent of Sheridan third graders passing the statewide assessment in 2026.

The IREAD test is an assessment of literacy. It examines students’ ability to understand the material and answer questions based on the provided reading. The impressive 94.4 percent passing rate is especially incredible because it marks SES as having the largest gain in Hamilton County.

SES students’ performance also places them above the Indiana state average, which is sitting at 88.7 percent. SES Principal Valerie Roberts credits the success to the dedication of the teachers.

“We are incredibly fortunate to have such an outstanding group of educators who work tirelessly each day to support and inspire our students,” Roberts said. “As a school, we have made early literacy a priority, recognizing that strong literacy skills set the foundation for success in every other area of learning.”

The IREAD success was truly a team effort, especially at the elementary level. In the past few years, the school has been building opportunities for families to become more involved in their students’ literacy. Through events like Literacy Night and even literacy newsletters, SES has been encouraging reading at home so that literacy is extending beyond the classroom.

Sheridan parent Nikki McGlothlin, who has children in second and sixth grade at Sheridan, shared her pride in the school and its educators.

“I am so proud of Sheridan Community Schools,” McGlothlin said. “I am so happy that my kids get to be a part of the education here. I know it will only get better as the growth continues. Educators here are doing great work!”

While SCS is incredibly proud of the 94.4 percent IREAD passing rate, it truly is more than a number. It represents the students putting in the work, the teachers providing the path, and the families helping at home. It truly takes a community investing in its community.

SES thanks its teachers, staff, students, families, and the entire Sheridan community for helping make this achievement possible. Strong readers build strong learners, and Sheridan is proud to see its Blackhawks continuing to grow.