Thomas Warren, wtop.com
WASHINGTON – Ten schools in Maryland, nine in Virginia and two in D.C. made the list of the Nation’s Blue Ribbon Schools for 2012, the U.S. Department of Education announced Friday.
A total of 219 public schools and 50 private schools from around the country made the cut out of 417 that were nominated.
Rachel Carson Elementary School in Gaithersburg, Blessed Sacrament School in Northwest and Arlington Traditional Elementary School in Arlington were named “exemplary high performing schools.” Those schools are considered the highest performing in their state based on assessments or national test results.
A second category, labeled “exemplary improving,” recognized schools that have at least 40 percent of students from underprivileged backgrounds and show the most progress.
U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan said schools are being honored for their commitment to scholastic achievement.
“Their work reflects the conviction that every child has promise and that education is the surest pathway to a strong, secure future,” Duncan said.
All 269 schools will be honored at a ceremony in D.C. on Nov. 12 and 13.
Other schools may be included in the final list at a later date. Click here to see the full list.
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(Copyright 2012 by WTOP. All Rights Reserved.)
