At Whitney M. Young Jr. Elementary School, excellence starts from within.

Known proudly as “The Young Way,” the campus culture is rooted in belonging, accountability, excellence, and belief in every child’s potential. Principal Shabranda Mathis credits that shared foundation, strengthened by a close partnership with United to Learn, with helping the school community flourish.

“Oh my goodness! It’s been absolutely amazing,” Mathis said. “I couldn’t ask for a better relationship. We are beyond blessed.”

Whitney M. Young joined the United to Learn network in 2025 and later participated in a principal support cohort, a deeper partnership designed around campus goals and student outcomes. Through individualized planning, leadership development, educator learning, and school culture and well-being experiences, campus and United to Learn leaders worked together to identify strengths, tailor support, and build on progress.

The partnership accompanied a remarkable season of growth. In one year, Young advanced four letter grades, moving from an F to an A rating for the 2024–2025 school year. This year, the school continues to stand strong with a B rating.

“Being on an F campus, you feel a lot of lenses on you,” Mathis shared. “There is so much pressure. United to Learn helped boost morale. We felt so supported.”

Supporting the People Behind the Progress

Mathis says the partnership’s greatest impact came from recognizing the connection between educator well-being, a strong campus culture, and student success.

“United to Learn looked at the human side,” she explained. “The culture walks, the principal support, the teacher trainings, the restorative circles, they brought everything to the forefront.”

Culture walks offered campus and United to Learn leaders structured opportunities to consider how culture was experienced throughout the school, recognize what was working, and identify areas where tailored support could strengthen the campus community. These insights helped shape professional learning and experiences responsive to Young’s goals.

Teachers explored breathing techniques, social-emotional learning strategies, restorative practices, and opportunities to lead wellness sessions themselves. Staff members learned new ways to support students while also caring for themselves and one another.

One breakthrough moment still stands out to Mathis.

“There was a teacher who wasn’t typically open or willing to share,” she recalled. “But when she leaned into sharing her feelings and expressing her perspective, the connection she made with herself and others was tremendous. That translates directly to our kids. Happy teachers, happy students.”

Mathis believes that growth among adults helped deepen connections throughout the school community.

“Personally, I have learned so much through this year’s cohort experience, about setting boundaries, work-life balance, and centering myself so I could show up even better for my staff and my kids.”

She specifically credits United to Learn team member Brittney Howell and the school culture and well-being team for walking alongside her professionally and personally.

“It’s experiences like these that remind us of the lasting impact we can make when we move in step with campus leaders, stay grounded in relationships, and never lose sight of what’s possible for students and their communities,” said Howell, United to Learn regional campus manager. “Principal Mathis’s exceptional leadership has been central to that impact.”

Living “The Young Way”

Today, “The Young Way” shapes what students, educators, and visitors experience when they walk through the school’s doors.

“Wildcat Pride means this is an amazing place to be,” Mathis said. “Our scholars believe the sky’s the limit. When you walk our campus, you hear students saying, ‘I believe in myself. I can do anything. I am going to college.’ It starts from the inside out.”

That culture has been reinforced by coordinated support across United to Learn’s four program areas. Aspiring Teacher Tutors have helped strengthen foundational learning for students, while community partners have contributed to garden projects, orchard maintenance, playground restoration, and other improvements that build campus pride.

“All of it ties into how students feel about their campus,” Mathis said. “When students feel welcome, loved, and believed in, they rise to the occasion.”

A Winner’s Season

As Young continues building on its progress, Mathis and her team remain focused on what comes next.

“We’re standing up,” she said with a smile. “It’s a winner’s season.”

At Whitney M. Young, that winning spirit is about far more than a letter grade. It is reflected in a community where educators feel supported, students feel empowered, and everyone is invited to recognize the greatness within themselves.