Students, teachers, administrators and community dignitaries celebrated the middle school at Savannah Christian Preparatory School (SCPS) being named a Blue Ribbon School of Excellence today. The school is the only private middle school in the United States to earn this year’s distinction.

“Savannah Christian Preparatory School is proud to be recognized nationally for its middle school program,” said Michael Crosby, SCPS principal. “Our dual focus of college preparation and Christian education ensures that our students not only survive the rigors of high school and college but also thrive throughout college and life.”

In November, U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan designated 340 schools as National Blue Ribbon Schools for 2014 based on their overall academic excellence or their progress in closing achievement gaps among student subgroups. Each school received a plaque and a flag as symbols of their status as National Blue Ribbon Schools. In its 32-year history, the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program has bestowed this coveted award on just under 7,900 of America’s schools.

“These great schools are fulfilling the promise of American education -- that all students, no matter their zip code, can flourish when schools provide safe, creative, and challenging learning environments,” Secretary Duncan said. “National Blue Ribbon Schools are models of consistent excellence and a resource for other schools and districts. We celebrate them for their tireless effort and boundless creativity in reaching and teaching every student.”