7 Virginia Schools Among 2016 National Blue Ribbon Winners

SPRINGFIELD, VA — Seven private and public Virginia schools have been named among 2016's National Blue Ribbon Schools, the U.S. Department of Education announced Wednesday. The list includes Springfield Estates Elementary School in Springfield.

Nationwide, 329 public and private elementary, middle and high schools were selected based on overall academic excellence or progress in closing achievement gaps, the Department of Education said.

Of the 329 schools selected, 279 are public and 50 are private. All schools, including the Virginia winners, will be recognized at an awards ceremony in Washington, D.C., on Nov. 7 and 8.

National Blue Ribbon Schools are an "inspiration and a model," the Department of Education said in announcing the selected schools.

"National Blue Ribbon Schools are proof that we can prepare every child for college and meaningful careers," U.S. Secretary of Education John B. King Jr. said in a video message to honorees. "Your schools are on the cutting edge, pioneering innovative educational practices—professional learning communities, project-based learning, social and emotional learning, positive behavior systems—making you shining examples for your communities, your state and the nation."

According to the Department of Education, the award "affirms the hard work of students, educators, families, and communities in creating safe and welcoming schools where students master challenging content. The National Blue Ribbon Schools flag gracing a school's building is a widely recognized symbol of exemplary teaching and learning."

Schools are recognized based on student test scores and graduation rates in two categories: Exemplary High Performing Schools and Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing Schools

Virginia schools selected as 2016 National Blue Ribbon winners include:

• Coeburn Middle School, Coeburn
• Deer Park Elementary School, Newport News
• George W. Carver Elementary School, Richmond
• Green Valley Elementary School, Roanoke
• Springfield Estates Elementary School, Springfield
• Tunstall High School, Dry Fork
• Watauga Elementary School, Abingdon

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