5 S.C. schools earn Blue Ribbon recognition

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Five S.C. schools have been recognized as 2018 National Blue Ribbon Schools by the U.S. Department of Education.

The program honors public and private elementary, middle and high schools where students achieve high learning standards or make notable improvements in closing the achievement gap. Now in its 36th year, the program has honored more than 8,800 schools. This year, 349 schools were honored (.pdf).

“I am so proud of our schools that have been recognized nationally for their academic excellence,” S.C. Education Superintendent Molly Spearman said in a news release. “Congratulations to the teachers, staff, parents and school and district administrators who work tirelessly each and every day to ensure that their students are prepared for success.”

The S.C. recipients were recognized in the “Exemplary High-Performing Schools” category, which recognizes state assessment or national test performance.

The Blue Ribbon schools are:

• Beech Hill Elementary, Dorchester District 2, Summerville
• Fort Mill High, York School District 4, Fort Mill
• Mount Lebanon Elementary, Anderson School District 4, Pendleton
• Tigerville Elementary, Greenville County School District, Taylors
• York Preparatory Academy, S.C. Public Charter School District, Rock Hill

The schools will be honored at an awards ceremony Nov. 7-8 in Washington, D.C.