Greensboro Academy is one of just eight schools in North Carolina this year to receive this distinction and joins a group of 353 nationwide. The school was identified as an Exemplary High Performing School, which means it is among the state's highest performing schools as measured by state assessments or nationally recognized tests.
“It is truly the people that make our school such a special place to learn and to work,” Greensboro Principal Tracey Duhaime said. “The families are involved and supportive of the staff and teachers, and the students are held to high expectations and are cared for by their teachers.
“Our teachers are some of the hardest working people I have ever met. They are dedicated, driven, and committed to the success of the students and of the school. We work together to not only educate our students but lead them in building character and kindness so they can make a positive impact on the world and those around them.”
Since opening in 1999, Greensboro Academy has prepared thousands of scholars to excel in and out of the classroom through high school and beyond. The school serves more than 750 students in grades K-8 and has outperformed the local district for the past 15 years.
Fourth-grade Teacher Maggie Napier said she felt proud, honored, and excited when she heard about the honor.
“I am proud to work in a school who values our students and education,” Napier said. “I am honored to work with such established and extinguished colleagues. Lastly, I am excited that our hard work is being recognized. Greensboro Academy is an amazing place to work and learn!”
Molly Scarbrough, a sixth-grade teacher at Greensboro, agreed.
“When I heard that our school had earned Blue Ribbon status, it made me proud to be a part of this community. It feels wonderful to be appreciated for all of the time and effort we spend striving for excellence.”
NHA Chief Learning Officer Nick Sheltrown said Greensboro’s staff has an amazing commitment to transforming lives.
“Greensboro can proudly proclaim itself as a school that excels academically and creates a warm, welcoming environment for students, staff, and families,” Sheltrown said. “This achievement is just the latest example of the community and culture they have worked so hard to create and maintain.”
This year marks the 40th year that the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program has recognized more than 9,000 schools across the country. Public and non-public schools are eligible for the award and may be nominated once within a five-year period.
The National Blue Ribbon Schools program began in 1982 and is given out to public and non-public schools through a nomination process based on student performance on state assessments in reading (ELA) and math, or a composite of performance on these assessments. Other student performance measures such as student growth on state assessments, performance in other subjects on state assessments, and graduation rates are also taken into account.
“I could go on and on about how wonderful Greensboro Academy is and what makes us so special, but I’ll keep it simple,” First-grade teacher Lauren Duncan said. “It takes a lot to make a school great --- it comes with hard work, determination, patience, sacrifice and most of all, love! A love for what you are doing or learning to do. I wholeheartedly believe that is what every single teacher and staff member does, day in and day out, within the halls of GA. The level of care and communication at this school is like none I’ve ever seen or known.”
Principal Duhaime will attend a ceremony celebrating the honor Thursday, Nov. 16 and Friday, Nov. 17, 2023, in Washington, D.C.
Congratulations Greensboro!
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About Greensboro Academy
Greensboro Academy is a tuition-free, public charter school in Greensboro, North Carolina, serving students in kindergarten through eighth grade. It is part of the National Heritage Academies network, which includes more than 100 tuition-free, public charter schools serving more than 65,000 students in kindergarten through 12th grade across nine states. For more information, visit nhaschools.com.
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