Settles Bridge Elementary School in Suwanee was among 13 Georgia schools recognized this week as National Blue Ribbon Schools for 2018.
U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos released the list on Monday. The designation is based on a school’s overall academic performance or progress in closing achievement gaps among student subgroups.
“I'm pleased to celebrate with you as your school is named a National Blue Ribbon School,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos in a video message to the honorees. “We recognize and honor your important work in preparing students for successful careers and meaningful lives. Congratulations on your students' accomplishments and for your extraordinary commitment to meeting their unique needs.”
Now in its 36th year, the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program has bestowed recognition on more than 8,800 schools. On November 7 and 8, the Secretary and the Department of Education will celebrate with all honorees at an awards ceremony in Washington, D.C.
All schools are honored in one of two performance categories, based on all student scores, subgroup student scores and graduation rates:
· Exemplary High Performing Schools are among their state’s highest performing schools as measured by state assessments or nationally normed tests.
· Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing Schools are among their state’s highest performing schools in closing achievement gaps between a school’s subgroups and all students over the past five years.
Up to 420 schools may be nominated each year.
Settles Bridge Elementary is in the Forsyth County School District.
The Georgia schools honored for 2018 are listed below:
- Athens Academy Athens
- Austin Elementary School Dunwoody
- Britt David Elementary Computer Magnet Academy Columbus
- Christ The King School Atlanta
- Heards Ferry Elementary School Sandy Springs
- Holy Redeemer Catholic School Johns Creek
- Kittredge Magnet School Brookhaven
- Lake Windward Elementary School Alpharetta
- Mount Bethel Christian Academy Marietta
- Saint James Catholic School Savannah
- Settles Bridge Elementary School Suwanee
- Shakerag Elementary School Johns Creek
- Simpson Elementary School Peachtree Corners
