Apple Distinguished School

An Apple Distinguished School is a school that demonstrates leadership and excellence in education by strategically integrating Apple technology into its teaching and learning environments. Santa Rita has been recognized for its innovative and continuous use of Apple products to foster student creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking. The designation requires schools to have a one-to-one device program for students and a commitment to a vision for using technology to personalize learning in the classroom.  

The program is a recognition, by invitation only, for schools that meet specific qualifications and demonstrate Apple's vision of an exemplary learning environment. Santa Rita is excited to continue to grow and learn to support its recent Apple distinction!

Santa Rita Elementary is a K–5 GT magnet campus where creativity, leadership, and imagination are part of everyday learning. Our students aren’t just learning — they’re creating, leading, helping, and collaborating using technology to bring their ideas to life.

Every big idea.
Every creative moment.
Every leader in the making.
It all starts with a spark.

Our recognition as an Apple Distinguished School reflects the innovative ways our students and staff use Apple technology to support creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking across the campus.

Leadership begins early at Santa Rita. Students learn to lead through creativity, collaboration, and student-led innovation, including our Student Tech Team. Santa Rita students use iPads to:

• Create projects that demonstrate their learning
• Make movies, GIFs, and digital products
• Share their creations with classmates and teachers

Their ideas go beyond traditional assignments — they’re innovations that help students connect with the world around them.

Our students imagine new possibilities by exploring, creating, and sharing their ideas using Apple technology.

With support from teachers and peers, students design digital products that reflect their thinking, creativity, and leadership. Technology allows them to express their ideas in ways that are meaningful, personal, and engaging.

The impact of innovation is visible every day at Santa Rita. Our Student Tech Team plays a key role in helping classmates and teachers use technology successfully. They serve as creators, helpers, and innovators — supporting projects, assisting with technology, and inspiring creativity throughout the school.

“Being on the tech team means we get to help students and teachers create amazing things.” Student Tech Team Member

Students at Santa Rita are not only learning with technology — they’re leading with it.

Santa Rita Elementary is committed to continuing this work by:

• Supporting student leadership opportunities like the Tech Team
• Encouraging creativity and innovation across all grade levels
• Using technology to amplify student voice and learning

Every spark of creativity has the power to grow — and at Santa Rita, those sparks light the future.