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.

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Austin Walters died from an overdose in 2021 after taking a Xanax pill laced with fentanyl, his father said. A new law named after Austin and aimed at preventing deaths from fentanyl has resulted in its first convictions in Georgia, prosecutors said. (Family photo)

Credit: Family photo