Bannockburn and Luxmanor elementary schools have been selected 2018 National Blue Ribbon Schools by the U.S. Department of Education. The winners of the award were announced on Oct. 1.

The National Blue Ribbon program recognizes public and private schools based on their overall academic excellence or their progress in closing achievement gaps among student subgroups. The students in each of these schools are high achievers in reading and mathematics, and many serve a significant number of economically disadvantaged students. Bannockburn and Luxmanor are the 40th and 41st schools in Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) to be named National Blue Ribbon Schools. Each National Blue Ribbon School for 2018 has scored in the top 15 percent of all Maryland schools on the 2017 state assessments.

“Congratulations to the Bannockburn and Luxmanor elementary school communities on being named National Blue Ribbon Schools,” said Superintendent Jack Smith. “What a wonderful honor for these staff members and students who have worked so hard and had great results.”

Both schools were named Maryland Blue Ribbon Schools in December 2017, qualifying them for consideration as National Blue Ribbon Schools. Other state winners also receiving national honors are: West Towson Elementary School, Baltimore County; Urbana Elementary School, Frederick County; Fallston Middle School, Harford County; and Waterloo Elementary School, Howard County.

Bannockburn Elementary School was named the top performing elementary school in the State of Maryland for the 2017 PARCC English Language Arts in grade 4 (ELA/4). The school has a PARCC average of more than 89 percent of all students meeting or exceeding expectations in math and English language arts. In 2016, Bannockburn became a Certified Green School. It has built a strong partnership with parents and has a PTA membership participation rate that averages more than 80 percent each year. The staff is committed to building capacity through ongoing professional development, including programs like mindfulness that impacts teachers and students. Bannockburn has instituted a Growth Board to facilitate teacher-led data discussions to strategize and ensure growth for ALL students. Its mantra of first teaching is best teaching is evident in differentiated small group instruction in all subject areas.

Luxmanor Elementary School has a diverse international student population, with 26 percent of students coming from 22 countries. Luxmanor is also home to unique special education programs, accounting for 13 percent of the school population. Still, with 45 percent disadvantaged students, Luxmanor has an average of more than 65 percent of all students meeting or exceeding expectations in math and English language arts. Beyond the classroom, students’ efforts have impacted the community through annual food, clothing and school supply drives and fundraising. The school’s student energy and recycling team have contributed to its Maryland Green School certification. Luxmanor is also home to Melissa Segal, a finalist for 2017–2018 MCPS Teacher of the Year. The school supports student mentoring relationships between general and special education students.

Bannockburn, Luxmanor and the other honorees will be honored at recognition ceremonies on Nov. 7–8 in Washington, D.C.

National Blue Ribbon Schools

Bannockburn Elementary School

Luxmanor Elementary School