On Tuesday afternoon the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Education, Arne Duncan, named Savannah Christian Prep Middle School as a 2014 National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence based on the consistent, academic excellence displayed by the students and teachers. One of only 50 private schools and 287 public schools, this award is the highest achievement that any school can earn. 

“I am thrilled that our middle school has been named a National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence,” said principal, Mike Crosby. “Receiving this award speaks volumes about the hard work put forth by our students and talented teachers in an effort to develop our students’ full potential!”

Today’s announcement marks the second time in just three short years that Savannah Christian Prep has captured the Blue Ribbon award based on outstanding academic achievement measured by standardized test scores and other indicators of success. Winning twice within three years is an exceptional honor and is one not duplicated in our area.

"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."

Headmaster, Roger Yancey put the honor into perspective by saying, “Of the 100, 000 plus schools in the country to receive a National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence Award, is indeed an honor and a tribute to our Administration, faculty, families and students. To God be the glory! Great things He has done!”

The National Blue Ribbon Schools Program, honors public and private schools based on one of two criteria: 1) Schools whose students are high performing. These are schools ranked among each state's highest performing schools as measured by their performance on state assessments or, in the case of private schools, that score at the highest performance level on nationally normed tests; or 2) Schools with at least 40 percent of their students from disadvantaged backgrounds that improve student performance to high levels as measured by the school's performance on state assessments or nationally-normed tests.

Before selecting National Blue Ribbon Schools, the Department asks for nominations from the top education official in every state, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico, the Department of Defense Education Activity and the Bureau of Indian Education. The Council for American Private Education (CAPE) nominates private schools. Schools nationwide are nominated based on the number of K-12 students and the number of schools in each jurisdiction. The schools are invited by the Secretary of Education to submit an application for possible recognition as a National Blue Ribbon School. 

To watch the announcement by Secretary Arne Duncan, navigate to http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/53395916. 

To learn more contact Wendi Patrick, Director of Marketing and Public Relations at 912.661.4631 or [email protected].