The U.S. Department of Education has honored Paint Branch High School with two prestigious national awards. The school is one of only four secondary schools in Maryland named a national Year 2000 Blue Ribbon School of Excellence and one of ten schools in the United States named a New American High School.

Blue Ribbon School of Excellence

Paint Branch was selected as one of 198 Blue Ribbon schools nationwide after undergoing a rigorous review and on-site visit by the Department of Education. Winners were named based on criteria such as outstanding curriculum and instruction, and strong leadership, school climate, and parent and community support.

The selection of Paint Branch High School brings to 27 the number of national Blue Ribbon awards won by MCPS elementary and secondary schools since the program began in 1982.

New American High School

Ten "leading edge" schools among the Blue Ribbon winners also have been named New American High Schools. These schools are characterized by "challenging academic standards and effective preparation for college and careers." The winning schools were chosen by the U.S. Department of Education with assistance from the National Center for Research in Vocational Education for their innovation and commitment to academic excellence.

Winning schools are using new instructional techniques, utilizing technology, improving professional development, using community service and work-based experiences to enhance classroom learning and developing partnerships with employers. These schools also are engaged in an ongoing, thoughtful dialogue with staff and the broader community to determine how they can better prepare all students for college and careers.

Paint Branch High School will join other Blue Ribbon honorees at a national awards ceremony and conference in September in Washington, D.C., during which they will receive a special flag and a plaque commemorating their achievement. New American High School winners also will participate in an orientation conference from November 29-December 1 where participating principals and teachers will exchange ideas and learn about the range of funding and technical assistance opportunities that will be made available through the U. S. Department of Education.