Blackshear Elementary Fine Arts Academy has been named a 2015 National Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education.
"This award acknowledges the hard work of school leadership, staff and students and their commitment to excellence," said Superintendent Paul Cruz, Ph.D. "I am so proud of them for earning this national recognition."
The department will honor 285 public and 50 private schools. Blackshear was one of 28 schools recognized in Texas.
Each year, the U.S. Department of Education asks the top education official from each state to nominate schools that demonstrate overall academic excellence or progress in closing achievement gaps among student subgroups.
The National Blue Ribbon Schools Program recognizes elementary, middle and high schools with a Blue Ribbon flag, a widely recognized symbol of exemplary teaching and learning.
Principal Betty Jenkins said the recognition is an amazing accomplishment.
"I'm so proud of my staff and students. This honor is possible due to everyone working day in and day out for the good of our students who walk through our front doors each morning," she said. "The collective efforts from our students, parents, faculty and all our volunteering organizations are making Blackshear not only an academic center of excellence, but a fine arts center filled with enrichment as well."
In 2014, Blackshear began offering students expanded fine arts programming.
The U.S. Department of Education will honor all National Blue Ribbon Schools during a recognition ceremony Nov. 9-10 in Washington, D.C.
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AISD is the largest school district in Central Texas, serving more than 83,000 students at 130 schools. Follow AISD on Twitter at @AustinISD or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/austinisd.