A dozen schools in Georgia were honored as National Blue Ribbon Schools because of high academic achievement or success in closing the performance gap between different groups of students, the U.S. Department of Education announced Tuesday.
The Georgia schools were among 337 chosen for Blue Ribbon designation.
Four of the Georgia schools — Blessed Trinity Catholic High in Roswell, Pinecrest Academy in Cumming, Saint Jude the Apostle Catholic School in Atlanta and Savannah Christian Prep Middle in Savannah — are private.
The eight public schools honored are: Big A Elementary in Eastanollee, Centralhatchee Elementary in Franklin, Elite Scholars Academy Charter in Morrow, Lake Oconee Academy in Greensboro, Medlock Bridge Elementary in Johns Creek, South Forsyth Middle in Cumming, Stallings Island Middle in Martinez and Wadsworth Magnet School for High Achievers in Decatur.
Nationally, 287 Blue Ribbon schools are public, and 50 are private. All will be recognized during a ceremony Nov. 10-11 in Washington, D.C.
“These great schools are fulfilling the promise of American education — that all students, no matter their name or zip code, can flourish when schools provide safe, creative, and challenging learning environments,” U.S. Education Secretary Arne Duncan said. “National Blue Ribbon Schools are models of consistent excellence and a resource for other schools and districts. We celebrate them for their tireless effort and boundless creativity in reaching and teaching every student.”
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