One of Upper Perkiomen's elementary schools has been identified as high-performing by the U.S. Department of Education. On Monday, district administrators announced that Marlborough Elementary was recognized as a 2024 National Blue Ribbon School awardee.

Students at Marlborough Elementry School prepare to launch streamers in celebra- tion of being recognized as a "Blue Ribbon School".

            Marlborough Elementary, located at 1450 Gravel Pike, was recognized as an "Exemplary High Performing School."

            According to Superintendent Allyn Roche, the honor reflects the unwavering commitment of our School Board and the dedicated leadership of Allison Stephens, Marlborough's principal. In a news release, he congratulated the school's staff, students and families.

            District officials will receive an award from the U.S. Secretary of Education during a ceremony at a hotel in Washington, D.C. in early November. Stephens described it as great opportunity to publically recognize the work put in by staff and families to make sure the students are well cared for.

            "The expectation for students is kept high at Marlborough," Stephens said Monday afternoon.

            The school was among only 356 schools across the nation, and 13 in the Commonwealth, to receive the designation that honors school in the top 15 percent of each state that excel in academic performance or make significant strides in closing achievement gaps among different student groups.

            According to the principal, the results from the Pennsylvania System of School Assessment taken by third-graders during the 2022-23 school year allowed the school to be nominated. Stevens explained that 74 percent of students were designated proficient or advanced in English Language Arts and 77 percent tested similarly in math.

            "Our students delivered high numbers pre-COVID," Stephens said. "I knew we could surpass it."

            Marlborough is the district's fourth school to receive the national award. Hereford was honored similarly in 1990. The Upper Perkiomen Middle School was honored in 1993, followed three years later by the Upper Perkiomen High School.

            "The full list reflects the full diversity of American education and the ability to serve students from all backgrounds. While awardees represent a wide array of schools, they share common traits," according to the news release. "National Blue Ribbon Schools are led by leaders who articulate a clear vision of instructional excellence and uphold high standards. They showcase effective teaching methods and offer robust professional development for their staff."

            "Data-driven instruction is a hallmark, and there is a concerted effort to ensure every student succeeds. Collaboration among families, communities, and educators is a key component of their success," according to information provided by district spokesperson Alexis Jenofsky.

            "Marlborough Elementary School is a special place because our staff and families are invested in the success of each child," Stephens said, according to the news release. "This award is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the entire Marlborough community. Thank you to the Upper Perkiomen School Board, administrators, teachers and staff, families and students for collaborating to achieve excellence."

            Up to 420 schools may be nominated by the top education official in all states, the District of Columbia, U.S. territories, the Department of Defense Education Activity, and the Bureau of Indian Education. Each nominated school submits a comprehensive application detailing its school culture, programs, assessments, instructional practices, professional development, leadership, family, and community involvement.