National Blue Ribbon School Recognition for Congdon Elementary

A New Bedford elementary school has been designated a 2020 National Blue Ribbon School by the Federal Department of Education.

The DOE website says the Congdon School earned the recognition based on the school's overall academic performance in closing achievement gaps among students.

In a letter to the school principal, U.S. Education Secretary Betsy Devos says "your student's academic success is an inspiring example of how teachers, parents, and community leaders can work together and prepare students for the future."

School officials are elated with the news. Principal Darcie Aungst says "five years ago, Congdon was ranked in the bottom 20% of schools in the state. Now, it's one of the top schools in the country!"

Superintendent Thomas Anderson says he's proud of the outstanding team at Congdon that always puts students first.

Mayor Jon Mitchell says Congdon's sustained excellence is a direct result of "the school's first-rate professionals who are committed to the proposition that all children, regardless of background, are capable of learning."