WESTON, FL (November 5, 2012) — Imagine Charter School at Weston has a new reason to celebrate. School leaders received official notice that the U.S. Department of Education has named the public charter school a 2012 National Blue Ribbon School. Affirming what is well-known within Broward County and the state of Florida, the prestigious national distinction as a Blue Ribbon School further recognizes the consistent academic excellence and performance of students at Imagine Weston.
Imagine Weston, a member of the Imagine Schools national family of charter schools, is one of only nine schools across the state of Florida and the only school in Broward County to be recognized under the “Exemplary High Performing” category of Blue Ribbon Schools. Only thirteen schools in Florida were nominated for the designation.
Upon hearing the news, Imagine Weston Principal Nadine Laham commented, “I am so proud of our students and staff for earning this national recognition highlighting our academic achievements. The Blue Ribbon Schools flag waving on our campus each day will remind us of the high expectations we met in the past and must continue to exceed in the future.”
The marks of excellence abound at Imagine Weston. This past summer, the school won the Imagine Schools National School of the Year award as well as awards specifically for academic growth, parent choice, and character development. Earlier in 2012, the Florida Department of Education ranked Imagine Weston as the third best school in the state among 1,800 elementary schools.
Imagine Schools Vice President for Education Eileen Bakke remarked, “The Blue Ribbon Schools award showcases the academic excellence at Imagine Weston. This honor also firmly positions Imagine Weston as an academic leader and model within the Imagine Schools network as well as in the state of Florida and across the nation.”
The U.S. Department of Education’s National Blue Ribbon Schools Program has been recognizing the country’s most successful public and private elementary, middle, and high schools since 1982. The Blue Ribbon Schools flag is a coveted symbol of excellence that is sought after by many but awarded to only a few each year. Over the last 30 years, only 7,000 schools nation-wide have earned the honor.
Later this month, Imagine Weston leaders will travel to Washington, D.C. for the Blue Ribbon Schools Award ceremony, in which they will receive a plaque and flag to signify their status as a National Blue Ribbon School.
Laham concluded, “Imagine Weston students not only are achieving high marks for proficiency but also for academic growth, which is propelling them to more advanced levels. We appreciate the state for nominating our school and for the U.S. Department of Education for bestowing this honor on our students, teachers, and staff for our academic status as a high performing school.”
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Founded in 2001, Imagine Charter School at Weston is a tuition-free public charter school educating 900 Broward County students. With the addition of Imagine Weston Middle this year, the combined campus serves students in grades PreK through 6th and will add the remaining middle school grades over the next two years. Imagine Weston is part of the Imagine Schools family of 70 public charter schools educating students in 12 states and the District of Columbia. Imagine Schools partners with parents and guardians to educate their children by providing high quality schools that prepare students for lives of leadership, accomplishment, and exemplary character. For more information about Imagine Weston, visit www. imagineweston.com. For more information about Imagine Schools, visit www.imagineschools.org.
For Immediate Release
Contact: Lori Waters
571-432-8884