Lafayette Parish School System Interim Superintendent Irma Trosclair announced on Thursday that the United States Department of Education has recognized Early College Academy (ECA) as a 2019 National Blue Ribbon School. The program, which began in 1982, recognizes public and private schools on the elementary, middle, and high school levels, based on overall academic performance or their progress in closing achievement gaps among student subgroups.
ECA is being recognized as a 2019 Exemplary High Performing Schools National Blue Ribbon School.
"We are proud of ECA's designation as a 2019 National Blue Ribbon School," said Trosclair. "This distinguished award is an acknowledgement of the commitment, dedication, and high expectations for teaching and learning. I congratulate Mr. Melton, his staff, students, parents, and the entire school community on this well-deserved honor."
"The Blue Ribbon recognition is a testament to the hard work of ECA's students and faculty," said ECA Principal Alex Melton. "We are so excited and proud to share this award with our community. The faculty and staff at ECA are committed to strengthening every area in our school so that our students have the best experience possible."
In November, two representatives from the school will travel to Washington, D.C. to attend the recognition ceremony, where they will receive a National Blue Ribbon School plaque and flag.
Two of the winning public schools are recognized as "Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing Schools." They are among the state's highest-performing schools in closing achievement gaps between a school's subgroups and all students over the past five years.
The schools include:
Bayou Black Elementary School, Terrebonne Parish
St. Charles Elementary School, Lafourche Parish
Four of the winning public schools are recognized as "Exemplary High Performing Schools." They are among the state's highest-performing schools overall. Student subgroup performance and high school graduation rates are also at the highest levels.
The schools include:
Early College Academy, Lafayette Parish
Haynes Academy School for Advanced Studies, Jefferson Parish
Patrick F. Taylor Science and Technology Academy, Jefferson Parish
Thomas Jefferson High School for Advanced Studies, Jefferson Parish
One nonpublic school, Parkview Baptist School in Baton Rouge, also received the national honor.
For more information, visit the United States Department of Education's website at https://www2.ed.gov/programs/nclbbrs/awards.html. You can also watch the announcement from U.S. Secretary of Education on YouTube.
