Schools aim for excellence

Superintendent of Schools Steven L. Walts has named 41 Prince William County schools as "Schools of Excellence" in the Division's annual school awards program.

That is 12 more than achieved the distinction last year. Schools that attain this designation must demonstrate high levels of performance.

For a "Schools of Excellence" distinction, the school must be fully accredited by the state, make adequate yearly progress under the No Child Left Behind Act and achieve an overall score of 90 out of 100 points on PWCS Strategic Plan-based measures. Selection is based on performance in the 2008—09 school year.

Seven elementary schools achieved their ninth year carrying the "Schools of Excellence" distinction: Bennett, Bristow Run, Lake Ridge, Mountain View, Old Bridge, Rockledge and Springwoods.

Ellis and Gravely Elementary Schools and Gainesville Middle School earned the distinction for the first time. Belmont, Buckland Mills, Dumfries, McAuliffe, Triangle and Victory elementary schools have been named "Schools of Excellence" for the second year in a row.

Battlefield High School as well as Mullen, Penn, Rosa Parks and Signal Hill elementary schools are celebrating their third year of recognition. Bull Run Middle School, Porter Traditional School, Potomac View, Tyler and Vaughan elementary schools are being recognized for their fourth year as "Schools of Excellence."

Minnieville, Occoquan and Swans Creek elementary schools and Pennington Traditional School have achieved fifth-year distinction, while Alvey, Cedar Point and Loch Lomond elementary schools have all reached the sixth year of achieving the "Schools of Excellence" award.

Ashland, Nokesville and Westridge elementary schools are celebrating their seventh year in a row, while Antietam, Henderson, Marshall and Montclair elementary schools and Osbourn Park High School are celebrating "Schools of Excellence" status for the eighth year.

Awards will be celebrated at school sites in the near future. The celebrations will recognize the contributions of the entire school community in achieving the award.

Staff writer Kipp Hanley can be reached at 703-878-8062.