Fountain Green Elementary Named a 2015 Blue Ribbon School

There’s a celebration going on in Bel Air Tuesday after Fountain Green Elementary School was named a National Blue Ribbon School.

U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan announced Tuesday morning that 335 schools nationwide earned the distinction as National Blue Ribbon Schools, including Fountain Green.

“Today will be a day to remember for our school and community,” Fountain Green Principal Alison Donnelly said. “We are extremely proud of our students for this accomplishment and equally as proud of our staff for their dedication to the success of our school,” and she also thanked students and faculty from years past.

To be selected, a school must apply and demonstrate that its students achieve high learning standards or have made strides in closing the achievement gap, according to the U.S. Department of Education. Federal education officials use measurements such as standardized test data, graduation rates and student subgroup information to determine which schools meet the criteria.

“Fountain Green Elementary continues to exceed the educational needs of each of their students, serving as an outstanding example of public education at its best,” Harford County Public Schools Superintendent Barbara Canavan said in a statement. She credited the “tireless dedication” of students, teachers, parents and administrators in the school’s success.

Eight Maryland schools were named Blue Ribbon winners: Fountain Green in Bel Air, Cardinal Hickey Academy in Owings; Kempstown Elementary in Monrovia; Lake Shore Elementary in Pasadena; Our Lady of Lourdes in Bethesda; Pine Grove Elementary in Parkville; Severna Park Elementary in Severna Park; and Smithsburg High School in Smithsburg.

Fountain Green Elementary School was named a Maryland Blue Ribbon School in 2014.

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