Sharon Elementary Named National Blue Ribbon School

SUWANEE, GA — Sharon Elementary School in Suwanee has received the prestigious Blue Ribbon Schools designation from the U.S. Department of Education.

The award is based on the school's overall academic excellence or its progress in closing achievement gaps among student subgroups.

Sharon was one of just 329 Blue Ribbon Schools announced nationwide Wednesday by U.S. Secretary of Education John B. King Jr. and one of only 10 schools to receive the honor in Georgia.

"National Blue Ribbon Schools are proof that we can prepare every child for college and meaningful careers, King 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."

Sharon Elementary, opened in 2003, is part of the Forsyth County school system. It is named for the old Sharon School, which stood nearby as early as 1904.

Now in its 34th year, the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program has bestowed its award on fewer than 8,500 schools. On November 7-8, the Education Department will formally recognize the 279 public and 50 private schools at an awards ceremony in Washington, D.C.

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