Newswise — Florida Atlantic University’s A.D. Henderson University School (ADHUS unveiled its National Blue Ribbon distinction awarded by the U.S. Department of Education at an announcement ceremony today.

Leadership from FAU and ADHUS, along with the entire ADHUS’ student body, Boca Raton City Council members and others, gathered for the official unveiling of the Blue Ribbon seal.

The event celebrated the school’s recognition as an exemplary high performing school based on overall academic performance. ADHUS was one of 12 schools in Florida to be named a National Blue Ribbon School.

“It is exciting to see our community and school body unite to celebrate such a prestigious award,” said Sherry Bees, principal/director of A.D. Henderson University School and FAU High School. “Celebrating our success as a school community and family is what the National Blue Ribbon Schools Award is all about – bringing public attention to the best schools in the United States and to facilitate communication and sharing of best practices within and among schools.”

The coveted National Blue Ribbon Schools award affirms the hard work of educators, families and communities in creating safe and welcoming schools where students master challenging and engaging content. ADHUS is a Title 1, K- 12 public laboratory school under the auspices of the State University System of Florida as part of FAU’s College of Education.

The chief state school officer of Florida nominated ADHUS for this national recognition. At least one-third of public schools nominated in each state must have student populations of at least 40 percent of students from disadvantaged backgrounds, and all of the schools must also meet the state’s annual measurable performance targets.

Now in its 36th year, the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program has bestowed recognition on more than 8,800 schools. U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos, along with other members of the Department of Education celebrated with honorees at an awards ceremony in November in Washington, D.C.

For more information on A.D. Henderson University School, visit adhus.fau.edu.

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About Florida Atlantic University:

Florida Atlantic University, established in 1961, officially opened its doors in 1964 as the fifth public university in Florida. Today, the University, with an annual economic impact of $6.3 billion, serves more than 30,000 undergraduate and graduate students at sites throughout its six-county service region in southeast Florida. FAU’s world-class teaching and research faculty serves students through 10 colleges: the Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts and Letters, the College of Business, the College for Design and Social Inquiry, the College of Education, the College of Engineering and Computer Science, the Graduate College, the Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College, the Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine, the Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing and the Charles E. Schmidt College of Science. FAU is ranked as a High Research Activity institution by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. The University is placing special focus on the rapid development of critical areas that form the basis of its strategic plan: Healthy aging, biotech, coastal and marine issues, neuroscience, regenerative medicine, informatics, lifespan and the environment. These areas provide opportunities for faculty and students to build upon FAU’s existing strengths in research and scholarship. For more information, visit www.fau.edu.