Six public and four private schools in Maryland had been named Blue Ribbon Schools by the U.S. Department of Education on Wednesday.

The program identified public and private elementary, middle and high schools with high-achieving students in reading and mathematics, and those that have made improvements in closing the achievement gap. Fewer than 8,500 schools nationwide  earned the distinction.

Arnold Elementary School Principal Shauna Kauffman said that she was "so proud of our incredible students, teachers, and staff and thankful for our caring and supportive community."

Pasadena Elementary School principal Jennifer Quirino said, "I am thankful to have an awesome group of colleagues inside our building who go to great lengths for our students, and the support we receive from our community is just incredible”.

Hereford High School in Parkton said, "Carver Center and Hereford are two great high schools by every measure and I am thrilled that they are receiving this national recognition," Baltimore County schools Superintendent Dallas Dance said in a statement, "The strong principals at these schools, Karen Steele and Joe Jira, promote high academic expectations and create an atmosphere to empower teachers and students to excel."

By Prakriti Neogi