3 Las Vegas-area campuses named National Blue Ribbon Schools

The U.S. Department of Education announced Tuesday that three Las Vegas Valley schools have been named National Blue Ribbon Schools, the only Nevada schools to be honored this year.

Two Clark County School District campuses — Lamping Elementary School in Henderson and Hill Elementary School in Las Vegas — as well as Pinecrest Academy of Nevada Inspirada, a public charter school in Henderson, were recognized.

The schools are among 325 nationwide to receive the recognition, either based on a school’s overall academic performance or progress in closing achievement gaps among certain populations of students.

“This year’s cohort of honorees demonstrates what is possible when committed educators and school leaders create vibrant, welcoming, and affirming school cultures where rich teaching and learning can flourish,” U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona said in a news release.

Lamping and Hill elementary schools are recognized in the “Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing” category. Pinecrest Academy of Nevada Inspirada, which serves kindergarten through eighth-graders, is recognized in the “Exemplary High Performing Schools” category.

In a statement, Clark County School District Superintendent Jesus Jara said the recognition is a “true testament to the hard work and dedication of every teacher, support professional, and administrator at these two schools.”

“I congratulate the students, teachers, staff, and families at Charlotte Hill and Frank Lamping Elementary Schools for this tremendous achievement and honor, and welcome them to the growing list of CCSD schools that have earned the Blue Ribbon designation,” he said.

Gov. Steve Sisolak said in a news release: “Congratulations to the students, educators, staff, families, and other members of the three Nevada school communities receiving this exceptional recognition. These schools have achieved academic excellence and will serve as models to all Nevada schools.”

The Nevada Department of Education nominated the three schools in February for the awards.

“The tireless work of countless dedicated school community members contributed to the recognition of these three Nevada schools as National Blue Ribbon Schools, and I commend each and every student, educator, and school family member,” Superintendent of Public Instruction Jhone Ebert said in a release. “It is highly impressive that these schools have earned this recognition, and we are thrilled to celebrate them.”

The National Blue Ribbon Schools Program, in its 39th year, has recognized more than 9,000 schools in total.

Contact Julie Wootton-Greener at jgreener@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2921. Follow @julieswootton on Twitter.