Exalt in the News

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Exalt Academy Teacher Honored as APSRC Teacher of the Year

Exalt Academy  is proud to announce that Ms. Samiya Salih, one of our high school math teachers, was recognized as the APSRC Teacher of the Year during the 2026 SPARK Conference.

This prestigious recognition celebrates educators who demonstrate excellence in teaching, leadership, innovation, and commitment to student success. Ms. Salih exemplifies each of these qualities through her work in the classroom and the meaningful relationships she builds with students and families.

As a high school math teacher at Exalt, Ms. Salih has consistently created a learning environment that challenges and inspires students to grow academically and personally. When faced with an unexpected staff vacancy, she stepped up, teaching through her prep time to ensure students received the education they deserve even during a period of transition. Her passion for education, dedication to her students, and commitment to high expectations have made a tremendous impact on the Exalt community.

We are incredibly proud of Ms. Salih and grateful for the passion and excellence she brings to our school every day. This recognition is a reflection of the positive difference she makes in the lives of students.

Please join us in congratulating Ms. Salih on this well-deserved honor. Exalt Academy is honored to celebrate educators who continue to inspire excellence in and beyond the classroom.
Exalt Featured on Univision!

Exalt Featured on Univision!

Exalt's Ribbon Cutting on Univision!

Exalt's Ribbon Cutting on Univision!

Exalt's Ribbon Cutting Made the Front  Page!

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📊 New State Accountability Emphasizes Growth — and Exalt is Recognized

 

Arkansas recently released the 2025 A–F letter grades under a redesigned accountability system that, for the first time, places significant emphasis on student academic growth alongside achievement and readiness. This updated model measures how much students are learning over time, not just whether they meet a proficiency benchmark, giving a clearer picture of the educational progress happening in classrooms across the state.

According to the Office for Education Policy, growth shows the impact of instruction and support students receive once they are in school.

We are especially proud to share that Exalt Academy was highlighted as one of the schools standing out for academic growth. In the statewide data, Exalt consistently demonstrates above-average growth scores—indicating that our students made meaningful progress compared to expected targets. This recognition reflects the dedication of our teachers, staff, and students in pursuing continuous improvement.

Check out the full report here:
https://oep.uark.edu/new-letter-grades-reward-growth/
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Exalt Academy and Superintendent Tina Long Featured in CharterFolk

We are thrilled to share that Exalt Academy and our Superintendent, Tina Long, have been featured in CharterFolk, a leading national publication dedicated to sharing news, stories, and insights about the charter-school movement and innovative public education.

CharterFolk reaches over 15,000 readers nationwide, providing a platform to highlight impactful schools and leaders who are shaping the future of education. This feature recognizes the hard work, vision, and dedication that our team brings every day to create a supportive and opportunity-filled environment for our students.

“We are honored to have our story shared with a national audience. This recognition reflects the efforts of our entire Exalt family — our students, staff, families, and community — who make our mission possible.”-Superintendent Tina Long

Read the full feature here: https://www.charterfolk.org/charterfolk-contributor-tina-long-as-we-say-at-exalt-here-we-grow/

We are proud to continue building a school where every scholar has the opportunity to thrive and succeed. Thank you for being part of our journey!

Superintendent Long Featured on
The Charter School Connection Podcast


We’re proud to share that Superintendent Tina Long was recently interviewed on the The Charter School Connection Podcast! She spoke about the Exalt Model—our unique approach to academic excellence, character development, and community impact.
Tune in to hear how Exalt Academy is redefining education in Southwest Little Rock and inspiring students to soar.

Exalt's ESL Programs Featured on Univision Arkansas!

"English as a Second Language (ESL) programs are essential in schools because they enhance cognitive development, prepare students for academic and career success by facilitating international communication, and foster cultural integration by expanding access to diverse information and resources."

Exalt Academy Featured on THV11's The Vine

August 12, 2025

Exalt High School Featured on Univision Arkansas!

Check Out Exalt's Interview on the Power 92.3 Broadway Joe Show!

Listen Now!
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT
Marti Jo Hall
Interim Director of Communications
Arkansas Public School Resource Center
501-492-4300 | mhall@apsrc.net
 
APSRC Awards CSP Subgrants to Exalt Academy of SW Little Rock, LISA Academy Rogers-Bentonville High School, Friendship Aspire Academy Lab School for Dyslexia, IOTA Leadership Academies
 
LITTLE ROCK (April 18, 2024) – Arkansas Public School Resource Center (APSRC) awarded two Charter Schools Program (CSP) Expansion Subgrants and three New/Replicated Subgrants to the following schools:
  • LISA Academy Rogers-Bentonville High School
  • Exalt Academy of SW Little Rock
  • Friendship Aspire Academy Lab School for Dyslexia
  • IOTA Leadership Academy Elementary School
  • IOTA Leadership Academy Middle School

APSRC Charter Schools Program Subgrants are competitive grants for the purpose of funding startup and expansion activities, including planning and implementation, and costs. Funded through the APSRC Development Grant Program, these aim to carry out the following activities in the state of Arkansas:
Increase the number of high-quality charter schools in the state with an emphasis on those serving educationally disadvantaged students; Improve student outcomes in Arkansas charter schools, especially for educationally disadvantaged students; and Disseminate best practices among charter schools.

Charter School grants awarded by APSRC are federally funded under the US Department of Education Charter Schools Program, Expanding Opportunities Through Quality Charter Schools Program Grants to State Entities (CFDA number 84.282A).

As a CSP Subgrantee, each school will have the opportunity to receive up to $1.25 million if at least 60 percent of the students they will serve qualify for free or reduced lunch.

Exalt Academy of SW Little Rock Superintendent, Tina Long, said "We are so thankful for this opportunity and excited for what it means for our students and families. This grant gives us the chance to grow in ways that will truly impact lives--more classrooms, more resources, more support for the children who walk through our doors every day. At Exalt, we believe every child deserves a place where they feel seen, challenged, and loved. This support and partnership with APSRC help make that vision even more real!”

The APSRC congratulates LISA Academy, Exalt Academy, Friendship Aspire Academy Lab School for Dyslexia and IOTA Leadership Academies and looks forward to their continued work for Arkansas students.

For more information about the Charter Schools Program Subgrants available through APSRC, visit https://bit.ly/APSRC-CSP-Grant.

ABOUT THE APSRC
The mission of the Arkansas Public School Resource Center is to support the improvement of public education by providing advocacy services on behalf of public schools with a special emphasis on charter schools and rural districts. APSRC is a service-oriented, nonprofit membership organization that offers technical support, resources, and training. Assistance is provided by highly trained staff in five main areas: Legal Services, Financial Analysis and Management, Teaching and Learning, Technology, and Communications. For more information on the APSRC, please visit https://www.apsrc.net/