2 DeKalb schools named National Blue Ribbon Schools

Austin Elementary School was both named a 2018 National Blue Ribbon School on Oct. 1. The school joins more than 8,500 nationwide who have been recognized for academic excellence as well as the closing of achievement gaps in economic and social subgroups. (HANDOUT PHOTO)

Austin Elementary School was both named a 2018 National Blue Ribbon School on Oct. 1. The school joins more than 8,500 nationwide who have been recognized for academic excellence as well as the closing of achievement gaps in economic and social subgroups. (HANDOUT PHOTO)

Two DeKalb County School District schools are among 12 across Georgia named National Blue Ribbon Schools by the U.S. Department of Education for overall excellence.

Kittredge Magnet School and Austin Elementary School received the designation for high academic performance. Kittredge previously was named a National Blue Ribbon school in 2003 and 2012.

Seven other metro Atlanta schools were named.

"We are extremely pleased, but not surprised, that both Kittredge and Austin earned this tremendous honor," Superintendent Steve Green said, adding that the DeKalb County School District "is home to excellent schools, and these two campuses are among the best performing and most innovative schoolhouses around."

Public schools can be designated Blue Ribbon Schools for high performance if scores on reading and math assessments are among the state's highest. Schools must have met federal adequate yearly progress goals for two years in a row. Student performance in subgroups — students with disabilities, from low-income families and those who are minorities — must be on par with the performance of other students.