School Earns National Blue Ribbon Award

Deer Park Elementary School has been named a 2016 National Blue Ribbon School for its strong academic performance by the U.S. Department of Education. The prestigious list includes the top-performing schools in the nation. Deer Park, an environmental science magnet school with 530 students, is recognized in the Exemplary High Performing Schools category. Deer Park is among seven schools in Virginia that earned recognition.

The Environmental Science magnet school has a comprehensive academic program built around the integrating themes of land, water and air. The program provides students with an environment that emphasizes discovery and exploration through collaborative study, scientific research and use of scientific tools and technology. Students take an active role in protecting and caring for the world around them. Deer Park has a unique partnership with its neighbor, the Virginia Living Museum. Students regularly visit the museum to see, learn and interact with its many animal species, walk-though habitats, and planetarium. Students and staff also collaborate with various environmental agencies.

Now in its 34th year, the U. S. Department of Education has bestowed this coveted award on fewer than 8,500 schools. Newport News schools have earned 13 Blue Ribbon School Awards since the inception of the program. Read the full announcement from Newport News Public Schools.