Maryland is especially proud of six of its public schools named this year's Blue Ribbon Honorees by the U.S. Department of Education.
The National Blue Ribbon Schools Program identifies both public and non-public elementary, middle, and high schools that demonstrate an exceptional level of achievement. Teaching practices from the chosen schools are used as examples for other schools around the country.
This year, all three of the greater Washington area's winners are public schools.
In Montgomery County, Rachel Carson Elementary was honored. The elementary school reached an all-time high achievement on the Maryland School Assessments tests, with 98 percent of students testing proficient in reading and 98.3 percent proficient in math. Over half of the school's student in second grade and above are taking math classes one or two grades advanced.
In Prince George's County, Whitehall Elementary School was recognized this year.
“Educating Children Beyond Expectations” is the school motto, and this past year's number bear that out. In the Maryland School Assessments, 97.9% of the students tested proficient or advanced in both reading and math.
Closer to Annapolis, Crofton Meadows Elementary School in Anne Arundel County made the grade. In the school, an impressive 100 percent tested proficient or advanced in math and 99 percent proficient in reading.
Elsewhere in the state, Woodholme Elementary in Baltimore County, Factory Elementary School in Harford County, and Pocomoke Elementary School in Worcester County rounded out this year's six winners.
