Federal education officials on Tuesday named 12 Georgia schools — including seven in metro Atlanta — as 2009 National Blue Ribbon Schools.

The government program honors public and private elementary, middle and high schools that show impressive academic growth and achievement. This year, the U.S. Department of Education recognized 314 schools nationwide.

Among those locally earning the honor:

● Private schools including Holy Spirit Preparatory School in Atlanta. Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic School in DeKalb County and Holy Redeemer Catholic School in Johns Creek.

● Carter G. Woodson Elementary in the Atlanta city system.

● The DeKalb School of the Arts in DeKalb County.

● Hightower Trail Middle School in Cobb County.

● Honey Creek Elementary School in Rockdale County.

About the Author

Featured

The DeKalb school district is suing to recover money spent on cellphone lockers, plus money spent on implementing social media guidelines and hosting associated events, lost teaching time and to hire extra school counselors. (The New York Times file)

Credit: NYT