18 Pennsylvania Schools Named National Blue Ribbon Winners

Eighteen Pennsylvania schools are among the 342 nationwide to be named National Blue Ribbon Schools for 2017.

The National Blue Ribbon Schools Program honors public and private elementary, middle and high schools where students achieve very high learning standards or are making notable improvements in closing the achievement gap. Schools must meet certain eligibility criteria to be nominated for the designation.

The Pennsylvania schools that made the list are:

• Berwick Area High School, Berwick
• Donald H. Eichhorn Middle School, Lewisburg
• Falling Spring Elementary School, Chambersburg
• Franklin Elementary School, Sewickley
• General George A. McCall Elementary School, Philadelphia
• Good Hope Middle School, Mechanicsburg
• Greenville Junior/Senior High School, Greenville
• Gwynedd‐Mercy Academy Elementary, Spring House
• Laurel Jr/Sr High School, New Castle
• Lemont/Houserville Elementary School, State College
• MaST Community Charter School, Philadelphia
• St. Joseph School, Downingtown
• St. Maximilian Kolbe Parish School, West Chester
• Saint Teresa of Calcutta School, Schwenksville
• Saints Simon and Jude School, West Chester
• Shiloh Hills Elementary School, Sinking Spring
• Sunrise Estates Elementary School, Irwin
• West Chester East Senior High School, West Chester

"National Blue Ribbon Schools are active demonstrations of preparing every child for a bright future," U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos said in a press release. "You are visionaries, innovators and leaders. You have much to teach us: some of you personalize student learning, others engage parents and communities in the work and life of your local schools and still others develop strong and forward-thinking leaders from among your teaching staff."

Now in its 35th year, the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program has recognized more than 8,500 schools.

On Nov. 6 and 7, DeVos and the Department of Education will celebrate with these honorees at an awards ceremony in Washington, D.C.

Image via Patch