Ithaca City School District (ICSD) Athletics has been recognized by the New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA) as a 2025–2026 School of Excellence, an honor that celebrates the district's commitment to excellence in both the classroom and athletic competition.
The NYSPHSAA School of Excellence Award is presented annually to member schools where 75 percent or more of varsity teams earn Scholar-Athlete Team recognition during their respective sports seasons. Scholar-Athlete Team status is awarded to teams whose members achieve a team grade point average of 90.00 or higher.
For the 2025–2026 school year, 237 schools across New York State earned the School of Excellence designation, an increase from 221 schools recognized during the previous school year.
"This recognition reflects the dedication of our student-athletes, coaches, families, teachers, and support staff," ICSD Assistant Athletic Director Shane Taylor said.
"Our student-athletes continue to demonstrate that success in athletics and success in the classroom go hand in hand,” ICSD Athletic Director Kari Burke added. “We are incredibly proud of their commitment to excellence in every aspect of their educational experience."
According to NYSPHSAA Executive Director Dr. Robert Zayas, "The commitment demonstrated by our member schools to academic excellence continues to be one of the greatest strengths of educational-based athletics. These awards recognize entire school communities that value success in the classroom as much as success in competition."
The NYSPHSAA School of Distinction and School of Excellence awards encourage athletic departments to challenge every varsity team to pursue academic achievement through the Scholar-Athlete program. Schools earning the School of Excellence Award exemplify the balance of academic success, leadership, teamwork, and athletic participation.
ICSD Athletics congratulates all of its student-athletes, coaches, and school staff whose hard work and commitment made this recognition possible. Their dedication to academic achievement continues to exemplify the values of educational athletics and the Ithaca City School District community.
For more information about the NYSPHSAA School of Distinction and School of Excellence awards, visit www.nysphsaa.org.