KENOSHA, Wis. — For the eighth consecutive year, the Kenosha Unified School District has been named one of the Best Communities for Music Education by the NAMM Foundation, a prestigious national designation that honors school districts for their outstanding support of and commitment to music education.
The annual recognition, now in its 26th year, highlights districts across the United States that provide exceptional access to music instruction and demonstrate a strong commitment to ensuring music education is a core component of a well-rounded curriculum. More than 1,000 school districts and individual campuses—public, private, charter, and parochial—earned this year’s honors after a competitive review process.
“Our music programs are a true point of pride in our district, showcasing an unmatched caliber of talent, dedication and excellence from both staff and students,” said Superintendent Dr. Jeff Weiss. “We are grateful to have a community that values the fine arts and supports them beyond measure.”
To be considered for the Best Communities for Music Education designation, KUSD completed an in-depth survey evaluating several facets of its music programming. Topics included music class participation, graduation requirements involving the arts, instruction time, available facilities, funding, and support for both in-school and community music-making initiatives. The responses were verified by school administrators and reviewed by WolfBrown, a leading arts education research firm.
The NAMM Foundation (National Association of Music Merchants) created the BCME program to elevate awareness about the importance of music education and to recognize communities that make it a priority. The initiative also awards the Support Music Merit Award to individual schools that demonstrate similar excellence.
District officials and local music educators say the recognition reflects a community-wide belief in the value of music education, not just as an extracurricular pursuit, but as an essential part of academic and personal growth.
“This award speaks to the strength of our entire community—from the teachers and administrators who shape the programs, to the parents and students who participate and support them, to the broader Kenosha public that recognizes the value of music in education,” said a spokesperson for the district.
In an era when arts education is often on the chopping block in school budgets across the country, KUSD continues to invest in a comprehensive music curriculum, spanning elementary through high school. The district regularly showcases student performances and participates in local and regional competitions and festivals.
With this year’s honor, Kenosha Unified joins an elite group of districts nationwide that have sustained this recognition for nearly a decade, reinforcing its reputation as a leader in music education.
The full list of award recipients and more information about the Best Communities for Music Education program can be found on the NAMM Foundation’s website.
