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​Eight Georgia public schools receive National Blue Ribbon recognition

Eight Georgia public schools receive National Blue Ribbon recognition

 

MEDIA CONTACT: Matt Cardoza, GaDOE Communications Office, (404) 651-7358, mcardoza@gadoe.org

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September 30, 2014 – Eight Georgia public schools have been named National Blue Ribbon Schools, receiving an annual recognition from the U.S. Department of Education reserved for public and private elementary, middle and high schools with superior academic achievement or gains in achievement.

 

Wadsworth Magnet School for High Achievers, Medlock Bridge Elementary School, Lake Oconee Academy, South Forsyth Middle School, Centralhatchee Elementary School, Elite Scholars Academy, Stallings Island Middle School, and Big A Elementary Schools are all 2014 National Blue Ribbon Schools.

 

"I congratulate these eight schools for being recognized as 2014 National Blue Ribbon Schools," said State School Superintendent Dr. John Barge. "I am so proud of all that these schools have accomplished. The academic performance in these schools is a result of focused students, teachers, education leaders and parents working together toward the same goal of high student achievement."

 

The program was founded in 1982 and recognizes public and private elementary, middle, and high schools where students perform at exceptionally high levels, or where significant improvements in academic achievement are being made. Schools in the “Exemplary High Performing” category are among their state’s highest performing schools, as measured by state assessments or nationally normed tests. Schools in the “Exemplary Improving” category serve populations with a high percentage of students from disadvantaged backgrounds, and demonstrate significant progress in improving student achievement levels as measured by state assessments or nationally normed tests.

 

National Blue Ribbon Schools are honored at an annual awards ceremony in Washington, D.C., and each receive a plaque and flag to signify their exemplary status. The schools’ achievements are shared on the U.S. Department of Education’s website, and the principals and teacher leaders of National Blue Ribbon schools are called on to give presentations at state, regional, and professional meetings about the practices that made a difference for their students and faculty.

 

The schools are nominated by the U.S. Secretary of Education, the Chief State School officer in each state, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the Department of Defense Education Activity, and the Bureau of Indian Education. A total of 417 schools nationwide may be nominated, with the number of nominations in each state determined by the number of K-12 students and schools in each jurisdiction.

 

2014 GEORGIA BLUE RIBBON SCHOOLS

Wadsworth Magnet School for High Achievers, DeKalb County

Medlock Bridge Elementary School, Fulton County

Lake Oconee Academy, Greene County

South Forsyth Middle School, Forsyth County

Centralhatchee Elementary School, Heard County

Elite Scholars Academy, Clayton County

Stallings Island Middle School, Columbia County

Big A Elementary Schools, Stephens County​

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