WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Barbara A. Mikulski (both D-Md.) today congratulated 11 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:

·         Boonsboro High School in Washington County

·         Century High School in Carroll County

·         Chadwick Elementary School in Baltimore County

·         Charlesmont Elementary School in Baltimore County

·         Folly Quarter Middle School in Howard County

·         Holy Cross Catholic School in the Archdiocese of Washington

·         Robert Frost Middle School in Montgomery County

·         St. John the Evangelist School in the Archdiocese of Washington

·         St. Joseph School – Cockeysville in the Archdiocese of Baltimore

·         St. Margaret School in the Archdiocese of Baltimore

·         St. Mary’s Elementary School in the Archdiocese of Baltimore

“The designation of 11 Maryland schools as National Blue Ribbon Schools makes all of us who are committed to improving education very proud,” said Senator Cardin. “Thanks go out to the parents, teachers and administrators who together work hard to ensure that all our children have the opportunity to learn 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.

###