WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Barbara A. Mikulski (both D-Md.) today congratulated ten schools across Maryland that were designated by U.S. Secretary of Education Arnie Duncan with a National Blue Ribbon Award. The Blue Ribbon Schools Program honors public and private elementary, middle and high schools that are either academically superior or that demonstrate dramatic gains in student achievement.
The schools include:
- Crofton Meadows Elementary School in Anne Arundel County
- Father Andrew White S.J. School in St. Mary’s County
- Notre Dame Preparatory School in Baltimore County
- Pocomoke Elementary School in Worcester County
- Rachel Carson Elementary School in Montgomery County
- Ring Factory Elementary School Harford County
- St. Augustine School in Howard County
- Saint Pete’s School in Montgomery County
- Whitehall Elementary School in Prince George’s County
- Woodholme Elementary School in Baltimore County
“The designation of 10 Maryland schools as National Blue Ribbon Schools makes all of us who are committed to improving education very proud,” said Senator Cardin. “It also reconfirms that Maryland has the strongest school system in the nation and we should thank the parents, teachers and administrators who work hard to make sure our children lean and succeed.”
“I’m so proud of these Maryland schools that have proven themselves as models of educational excellence. We know that a quality education consists of tough academic standards, safe and drug-free schools, and the latest in math and science technology,” said Senator Mikulski. “Maryland’s Blue Ribbon schools have mastered these ingredients.”
The Blue Ribbon Schools Program honors public and private elementary, middle and high schools that are either academically superior or that demonstrate dramatic gains in student achievement to high levels. The schools are selected based on one of two criteria: 1) Schools with at least 40 percent of their students from disadvantaged backgrounds that dramatically improve student performance to high levels on state tests; and 2) Schools whose students, regardless of background, achieve in the top 10 percent of their state on state tests or in the case of private schools in the top 10 percent of the nation on nationally-normed tests.
The Program sets a standard of excellence for all schools striving for the highest level of achievement. The National Blue Ribbon Schools Program is part of a larger U. S. Department of Education effort to identify and disseminate knowledge about best school leadership and teaching practices. Each year since 1982, the U.S. Department of Education has sought out schools where students attain and maintain high academic goals, including those that beat the odds.
