Tuesday, Sept. 21, 2021 | 12:57 p.m.
Three Las Vegas-area schools have been pegged as National Blue Ribbon Schools by the U.S. Department of Education.
They are Frank Lamping Elementary School, Pinecrest Academy of Nevada-Inspirada and Charlotte Hill Elementary School.
The award affirms the work of students and educators in creating safe and welcoming schools where students master challenging and engaging content, according to a news release.
The designation is determined by overall academic performance or progress in closing achievement gaps, officials said.
The local schools were among 325 schools nationally to earn the award, which is in its 39th year and considered one of the most prestigious awards in education, officials said.
“The tireless work of countless dedicated school community members contributed to the recognition of these three Nevada schools as National Blue Ribbon Schools, and I commend each and every student, educator and school family member,” said Jhone Ebert, Nevada superintendent of public instruction in a statement. “It is highly impressive that these schools have earned this recognition, and we are thrilled to celebrate them.”
The Nevada Department of Education nominated the schools for the award, the state said in a news release.
Pinecrest was selected for the Exemplary High Performing Schools category for “the state’s highest performing schools as measured by state assessments or nationally normed tests.”
Pinecrest is a nationally STEM certified, public charter school in Henderson for grades kindergarten through eight.
Lamping and Hill were in the Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing classification for “the state’s highest-performing schools in closing achievement gaps between a school’s student groups and all students.”
In a statement, Gov. Steve Sisolak congratulated the school communities, including students, teachers, staff and families.
“These schools have achieved academic excellence and will serve as models to all Nevada schools,” he said.
The motto at Hill is to “take responsibility for the academic, social and emotional growth of every child to be college, career and citizenship ready.”
At Lamping, a Henderson school, the motto is “to provide a caring, positive and safe learning environment where each child is challenged to achieve commensurate with their ability.”
