Staying together leads to A rating

At Cedar Crest Elementary School, keeping teachers and students together year after year has proven a winning strategy. 

Known as looping, the practice of keeping students with the same teacher for consecutive years, has become a powerful driver of growth on the campus. For Principal Stacy Ray, it’s not just a strategy, it’s a culture shift.

“Looping allows teachers to know their students deeply, track their progress more closely, and personalize learning in ways that build both confidence and consistency,” Ray said. “It’s that connection, year over year, that makes such a difference.”

The difference is clear in state accountability ratings. Cedar Crest Elementary earned an A this year, with gains in mathematics, science, post-secondary readiness, and closing opportunity gaps. Overall, student achievement continues to climb steadily each year. 

“I’m incredibly proud and energized by this year’s STAAR results,” Ray said. “Cedar Crest met our goal, and we’ve surpassed it by reaching a higher destination.”

Third-grade reading scores also showed significant gains under exemplary teachers, while sixth-grade math students demonstrated exceptional performance. Beyond strong teaching, strategies such as goal-setting, analyzing student work, and celebrating progress created momentum that kept students engaged and confident, she said.
Ray is determined to build on the school’s accomplishments by pushing for even stronger performance in math, reading, and science, while closing opportunity gaps across student groups.

“Cedar Crest is more than a place; it’s a purpose-driven community built on love, family, and a shared commitment to excellence,” Ray said. “We believe every person who walks through our doors deserves an experience like no other. Whether it’s a student stepping into a classroom, or a neighbor joining a community event, they’re met with warmth, encouragement, and a belief in their potential.”