Waldron Mercy Academy in Merion Station is one of the winners of the prestigious National Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence designation awarded by the U.S. Department of Education, writes Kristen A. Graham for The Philadelphia Inquirer.

The Montgomery County school is one of six Philadelphia area schools to be honored this year, and one of 367 schools from around the country to receive this designation. This is less than one percent of all schools in the nation.

The winners were announced last week by Education Secretary Betsy DeVos.

“It’s a privilege to recognize the extraordinary work you do to meet students’ needs and prepare them for successful careers and meaningful lives,” said DeVos.

To be considered for the designation, schools have to complete an extensive application process. The winners are then chosen either based on standardized test performance or on efforts to close student achievement gaps.

This is the third Blue ribbon designation for the private Catholic elementary school sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy. The school was also recognized in 2001 and 2009.

Read more about the winners of the National Blue Ribbon designation at The Philadelphia Inquirer by clicking here.

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