Fulton Elementary Schools Named National Blue Ribbon Schools

JOHNS CREEK, GA — The U.S. Department of Education on Monday recognized three Fulton County elementary schools as being National Blue Ribbon Schools for 2018.

Heards Ferry, Lake Windward and Shakerag elementary schools were recognized in the “Exemplary High Performing” category, placing them among Georgia’s highest performing schools as measured by state assessments or national tests. Monday's announcement represents the first time in Fulton’s history that three schools have been named National Blue Ribbon schools at one time.

“We are extremely proud of the high level of teaching and learning at these schools and the distinguished national recognition they received today,” said Fulton County Schools Superintendent Dr. Jeff Rose. “This honor affirms the hard work of our teachers, staff, students and parents, all of whom deserve credit for motivating and encouraging students to perform at their highest level. It takes an entire community, including a dedicated school board, to earn this coveted award. These are exciting times for our schools and our district.”

The National Blue Ribbon Schools Program honors public and private elementary, middle and high schools where students achieve very high learning standards or make notable improvements in closing the achievement gap. Schools in the “Exemplary High Performing” category are among their state’s highest performing schools, as measured by state assessments or nationally recognized tests.

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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. A total of 349 schools, including 13 from Georgia, were announced today as National Blue Ribbon schools for 2018.

Lake Windward is in Alpharetta while Heards Ferry is located in Sandy Springs and Shakerag is situated in Johns Creek. A private school, Holy Redeemer Catholic School in Johns Creek, was also named to the 2018 list.

“The success of these three schools is a result of hard work and a dedicated team of school leaders, teachers and staff who challenge and inspire our students to give their best effort every day,” said School Board President Linda Bryant. “We are so proud of their achievement and are grateful to our parents, partners and the larger Fulton community who consistently support and contribute to the success of our students. This is a proud day for Fulton County Schools.”

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 honored 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. Now in its 36th year, the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program has bestowed recognition on more than 8,800 schools.

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