Parma Heights Christian Academy Receives Prestigious National Honor

Parma Heights Christian Academy receives Blue Ribbon School of Excellence Award from the U.S. Department of Education. In fact, it is the only private Christian school in the nation to receive this impressive honor for the 2000-2001 school year.

Under the direction of Administrator Herb Bradford, the teachers, support staff, school board, and parents undertook the rigorous application process. This procedure alone took the dedicated participants some 500 hours to evaluate leadership, teaching, curriculum, student achievement and parental involvement.

All would say it was certainly worth the effort as the award culminated with the Blue Ribbon School of Excellence Award Ceremony in Washington, D.C. in late October. First Lady Laura Bush made a surprise stop at the event honoring, 264 distinguished public and private elementary schools from across the United States. "As distinguished educators and professionals, you inspire students, nurture their natural abilities, and encourage them to explore life's many possibilities. You also prepare good students to be good citizens—something that is as important now as ever," commented Mrs. Bush.

Since 1982 the Blue Ribbon Schools Program has recognized many of America's most successful schools honoring elementary and secondary schools in alternate years. A Blue Ribbon flag waving overhead has become a symbol of excellence recognized by everyone from parents to policy-makers in thousands of communities.

To receive recognition a school must first be nominated, then pass a rigorous screening, and finally a two-day site visit. Each school is evaluated on outcome measures and conditions of effective schooling including student focus and support, school organization and culture; challenging standards and curriculum; active teaching and learning; professional community, leadership and educational vitality; and school, family, and community partnerships.