Central Valley Public School Honored for Academic Excellence

North Dakota school ranks in top 10% statewide for elementary and high school performance

Apr. 3, 2026 at 2:12am

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An abstract, impressionistic photograph of blurred, colorful shapes representing children playing on a school playground, conveying a sense of warmth, joy, and educational excellence.A small-town school's commitment to personalized attention and community-driven values has propelled its students to the top tier of academic achievement in North Dakota.Buxton Today

Central Valley Public School in Buxton, North Dakota was recognized for finishing in the top 10% statewide in both elementary and high school academic accountability metrics, including math, reading, and overall student readiness. The small school's success was celebrated by Governor Kelly Armstrong, who visited the campus to congratulate students on their achievements.

Why it matters

Ranking in the top 10% statewide is an impressive accomplishment for any school, especially a small rural district like Central Valley. This recognition highlights the school's focus on personalized attention, data-driven instruction, and fostering a tight-knit community - factors that have contributed to their students' strong academic performance.

The details

Central Valley Public School has around 200 students and over 40 staff members, with more than half of the faculty participating in a "school improvement" team that provides targeted, research-based instruction to help students grow. The school's superintendent, Jeremy Brandt, credits the school's small size and family atmosphere as key to their success, ensuring no student "flies under the radar." Central Valley was one of only two schools in North Dakota to finish in the top 10th percentile for both elementary and high school accountability metrics.

  • On Thursday, April 2, 2026, North Dakota Governor Kelly Armstrong visited Central Valley Public School to celebrate the school's achievements.
  • Central Valley Public School has been ranked in the top 10% statewide for its academic performance over the past several years.

The players

Central Valley Public School

A small public school located in Buxton, North Dakota that serves around 200 students from elementary through high school grades.

Jeremy Brandt

The superintendent of Central Valley Public School, who credits the school's small size and personalized attention as key factors in their strong academic performance.

Jennifer Fuglesten

A fourth grade teacher at Central Valley Public School who is part of the school's "school improvement" team focused on data-driven, research-based instruction.

Micah Berge

A social studies teacher at Central Valley Public School who emphasizes the "family feel" of the small school community.

Governor Kelly Armstrong

The governor of North Dakota who visited Central Valley Public School to celebrate the school's top 10% statewide ranking in academic performance.

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What they’re saying

“Small schools are all about personal attention. It's not really possible for a kid to fly under the radar at Central Valley. We're too small, and that leads to a lot of strengths of ours.”

— Jeremy Brandt, Superintendent, Central Valley Public School

“If you are in the top 10% in North Dakota, that really puts you in the upper top, the top tier all across the country.”

— Governor Kelly Armstrong

“We divide the kids based on what they need and provide them instruction, research-based instruction, to help them grow from where they are to where we would like them to be.”

— Jennifer Fuglesten, Fourth Grade Teacher, Central Valley Public School

“We know the kindergarten students all the way up to the seniors, and it's a big family.”

— Micah Berge, Social Studies Teacher, Central Valley Public School

What’s next

Central Valley Public School plans to continue its focus on personalized, data-driven instruction to maintain its top academic performance in the state.

The takeaway

Central Valley Public School's recognition as one of the top-performing schools in North Dakota demonstrates how a small, tight-knit community can foster academic excellence through individualized attention, research-based teaching methods, and a family-like environment - proving that size is no barrier to educational achievement.