Sept. 24, 2013 - Eight Georgia public schools were named 2013 National Blue Ribbon Schools by the U.S. Department of Education today.
The award honors schools for helping students achieve at very high levels and for making significant progress in closing the achievement gap.
"National Blue Ribbon Schools are another shining example of the great things happening in Georgia schools. These eight schools are to be commended for their outstanding student performance," said State School Superintendent Dr. John Barge. "I am excited for the students, teachers and staff that they were recognized on a national level for excellence."
- High Performing Schools: Schools that are ranked among the state's highest performing schools as measured by state assessments or assessments referenced against national norms in both reading (English language arts) and mathematics in at least the most recent year tested.
- Exemplary Improving Schools: Schools with at least 40 percent of their students from disadvantaged backgrounds that have made the most progress in improving student performance on state assessments or assessments referenced against national norms in reading (English language arts) and mathematics in the most recent five years.
One Georgia private school was also named a National Blue Ribbon School. The selection process for private schools is different. For more information, go to http://www.capenet.org/brs.html.
Blue Bell Creameries is a 2013 National Blue Ribbon sponsor and will bring a special surprise to all the schools.
“At Blue Bell, we are firm believers in recognizing the importance of encouraging and honoring schools for educational excellence,” says Paul Kruse, CEO and president of Blue Bell Creameries. “We are well aware that such high levels of achievement require tremendous effort from students, teachers, administrators and parents. This is Blue Bell’s way of showing how proud we are!”
Georgia's winning schools will join other national winners at an awards ceremony on Nov. 19 at the Omni Shoreham Hotel in Washington, D.C. For more information on the Blue Ribbon Schools program, go to http://www.ed.gov/programs/nclbbrs/awards.html.
2013 GEORGIA BLUE RIBBON SCHOOLS
Public
Daves Creek Elementary, Forsyth County
Marietta Center for Advanced Academics, Marietta City
Tritt Elementary, Cobb County
Mountain Park Elementary, Fulton County
Fair Oaks Elementary, Cobb County
Middle Ridge Elementary, Newton County
Sugar Hill Elementary, Hall County
Webster County High, Webster County
Private
St. Catherine of Siena Catholic School, Kennesaw
