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Jefferson Science Magnet was recognized as an "Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing School" for its track record of gap closure and for high student graduation and performance across subgroups.
The magnet school is one of 12 elementary schools in Norwalk, with an average of 600 students per year.
"Jefferson’s school motto is 'We Help Each Other,'" the National Schools Blue Ribbon Program said in a statement. "It is this practice of helping students, families, and teachers that has resulted in all of Jefferson’s students achieving high levels of growth in all areas."
The magnet school has a special focus on the sciences.
"The school’s science theme is embedded in rich on and off-site experiences with several community partners throughout the city and state," the statement said.
"Jefferson students often attend science labs where they combine their science excursions with grade level content; applying inquiry based learning and problem solving skills to deepen their understanding on a range of topics."
Jefferson Science Magnet also uses a targeted flexible regrouping program called "Double Dose," which organizes all students into small groups for focused language arts instruction.
"The combination of meaningful science-based experiences coupled with focused small group instruction, has resulted in high achieving students at Jefferson over the past decade," the statement said.
The other schools honored are in Woodbridge, Portland and Litchfield.
“The opportunity of a quality education sets our students on a path to bright future, regardless of ZIP code or family wealth. Today’s honorees serve as great examples of school communities delivering on the promise of a great education for our kids,” Gov. Dannel P. Malloy said.
Connecticut Education Commissioner Stefan Pryor also praised the teachers, students and communities for receiving this prestigious distinction.
“The schools named today are exemplars of success and deserve great recognition for their accomplishments,” Pryor said. “Congratulations to the teachers, principals, and superintendents who worked with parents and students to achieve this well-deserved distinction.”
Woodbridge’s Amity Regional High School, Portland’s Portland Middle School, and Litchfield’s Wamogo Regional High School received honors in the Exemplary High Performing Schools category for high student achievement and graduation rates.
The Blue Ribbon School Program is an annual award bestowed on schools across the nation for high academic performance or greatest progress in achievement gap closure among subgroups.
For more information about the program, visit the U.S. Department of Education website.
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