CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Three West Virginia schools have been recognized as among America’s best. Inwood Primary School in Berkeley County, Maxwell Hill Elementary School in Raleigh County and Triadelphia Middle School in Ohio County are among 304 schools nationwide named Thursday by U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan as 2011 National Blue Ribbon Schools.

The program recognizes schools that make significant progress in closing the achievement gap or whose students achieve at very high levels. The schools will be honored later this year in Washington, D.C, where they will receive an award certificate in recognition of the progress they have made. 

“All three of these West Virginia schools have helped students succeed,” said state Superintendent of Schools Jorea Marple. “Their hard work, dedication and commitment to improving teaching and learning can serve as models for others.”  

To qualify, public schools must have at least 40 percent of their students from disadvantaged backgrounds that dramatically improve student performance on state tests or have students, regardless of background, achieve in the top 10 percent of their state on state tests. Private schools must achieve in the top 10 percent in the nation on national tests to qualify.  

“America’s long-term economic prosperity and civic engagement depends on our children receiving a world-class education,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan.  “National Blue Ribbon Schools are committed to accelerating student achievement and preparing students for success in college and careers.  Their success is an example for others to follow.”

More than 6,500 schools have been honored as National Blue Ribbon Schools since the program’s inception in 1982. The award honors public and private elementary, middle and high schools whose students achieve at very high levels or have made significant progress and helped close gaps in achievement especially among disadvantaged and minority students.  The U.S. Department of Education looks to honor schools where students attain and maintain high academic goals, including those that beat the odds

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