Schools
Deephaven Elementary, ISLA Named Blue Ribbon Schools
The Minnetonka schools were two of 286 schools nationwide to receive the honor.
U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan announced Tuesday that Deephaven Elementary and the International Spanish Language Academy (ISLA) are two of 286 schools nationwide to be selected as one of this year’s National Blue Ribbon Schools.
The award is based on the schools’ overall academic excellence. Just seven Minnesota schools received the recognition. Both Deephaven and ISLA were also named as “exemplary high performing schools.”
“Excellence in education matters and we should honor the schools that are leading the way to prepare students for success in college and careers,” Duncan said. “National Blue Ribbon schools represent examples of educational excellence, and their work reflects the belief that every child in America deserves a world-class education.”
Find out what's happening in Minnetonkawith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Deephaven students had some of the highest math, science and reading test scores in the state in 2012:
- 96.2 percent proficiency in math
- 96.0 percent proficiency in reading
- 85.1 percent proficiency in science
About 13 percent of the students qualify for free and reduced lunch, a common measure of poverty.
Find out what's happening in Minnetonkawith free, real-time updates from Patch.
“We are thrilled to be recognized with the highest national honor a school can receive," a Minnetonka Public Schools release quoted Deephaven Principal Bryan McGinley. "It takes talented teachers and staff, involved parents, dedicated students and strong support from the district office to make a great school. Everyone needs to come together and demonstrate excellence on a day to day basis in their role to make this honor possible. Educators want what is best for children and this award helps to validate that we are doing great things for students in Minnetonka Schools.”
ISLA students also posted high scores in 2012:
- 87.5 percent proficiency in math
- 89.8 percent proficiency in reading
- 55.6 percent proficiency in science
About 7 percent of ISLA students qualify for free and reduced lunch.
The Education Department will award the Blue Ribbon honors at a recognition ceremony Nov. 18 and 19 in Washington, D.C.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
