Normandale Elementary Named Blue Ribbon School

Très bien!

Edina's is among the best schools in the nation—for the second time—according to the U.S. Department of Education.

The French immersion school is among 269 institutions across the country announced as Blue Ribbon Schools for 2012, including seven from Minnesota. The award honors public and private K-12 schools with high achievement rates and those who have made progress in closing achievement gaps. The program started in 1981.

Normandale was recognized for its high achievement rates, with the elementary school being named an Exemplary High Performing School. Principal Gerry Lukaska said both the staff and students at Normandale deserve praise for all of the hard work they put into achieving greatness.

"It is great to have confirmation that we really can achieve great things when we all focus on a common goal," Lukaska said.

The latest accolade makes Normandale the second of Edina's schools to earn Blue Ribbon designation twice, with .

The 2012 Blue Ribbon Schools will be honored during a conference and awards ceremony Nov. 12-13 in Washington, D.C.

Superintendent Ric Dressen said the district is pleased by all of the hard work put forth by teachers, staff members, students and parents who make up the Normandale community.

"We have a long history in of defining excellence and high academic achievement," Dressen said. "Normandale’s recognition today is further evidence that in coming together, we can ensure all of our students have the tools and skills they need to thrive both inside and outside the classroom."

Edina schools—both public and private—have historically fared well in the Blue Ribbon School competition, with a total of seven taking home the award over the years.

Here's a quick look at those award-winning schools:

• —1983
• —1986
• —1986
• —1993
• —2000, 2009
• —2005, 2011
• —2005, 2012

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