U.S. Secretary of Education John B. King Jr. on Wednesday announced the 329 National Blue Ribbon Schools for 2016.

One of those schools was St. Joseph School on Belair Road in Fullerton.

The award is based on their overall academic excellence or their progress in closing achievement gaps among student subgroups.

“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.”

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. The award affirms the hard work of students, educators, families, and communities in creating safe and welcoming schools where students master challenging content. The National Blue Ribbon Schools flag gracing a school’s building is a widely recognized symbol of exemplary teaching and learning.

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

The 2016 National Blue Ribbon Schools located in Maryland are as follows:

• Arnold Elementary School; Arnold
• George Washington Carver Center for Arts and Technology; Towson
• Hereford High School; Parkton
• North Harford Elementary School; Pylesville
• Our Lady of Perpetual Help School; Ellicott City
• Pasadena Elementary School; Pasadena
• St. Joseph School; Fullerton
• St. Patrick’s Catholic School; Rockville
• St. Pius X Regional School; Bowie
• White Marsh Elementary School; Mechanicsville

The full list of 2016 winners can be found here.

[Source: U.S. Dept. of Education]