DEARBORN — Charles A. Lindbergh Elementary was officially recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as a National Blue Ribbon School for the third year in a row on Thursday, September 26.

The school educates 325 students in Kindergarten through fifth grade.

“We recognize and honor your important work in preparing students for successful careers and meaningful lives,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos in a video message to honorees. “As a National Blue Ribbon School, your school demonstrates what is possible when committed educators hold all students and staff to high standards and create vibrant, innovate cultures of teaching and learning.”

Only 362 schools nationwide were recognized as National Blue Ribbon Schools. They were selected based on their overall academic excellence or their progress closing achievement gaps among student subgroups.

“Lindbergh staff and principals have sustained a culture of academic excellence,” said Fatme Faraj, the Dearborn Schools executive director of student achievement. “This award affirms the hard work students, staff, families and the school community do to create a safe and welcoming school where students are inspired to excel.”

Lindbergh was also recognized as a Lighthouse School under the international Leader in Me program last year, which teaches students skills to succeed at school and in life.

Lindbergh Elementary students celebrate the announcement that they are a National Blue Ribbon School on Thursday, September 26 by tying blue ribbons to the fence outside the school.

Among the school’s students, 18 percent are English learners and 36 percent are low-income.

For the last several years, Lindbergh has scored above the state and district rates in reading and math on external assessments.

Last spring, more than two-thirds of Lindbergh’s students scored proficient or better on the English and math sections of the state of Michigan’s Student test of Educational Progress. Statewide, 46 percent of students were proficient in English language arts and 41 percent in math on the M-STEP, an online statewide standardized test.

“We are honored to have received this recognition as it validates our commitment to student achievement and the development of lifelong learners and global citizens,” said Principal Zainah Tiba.

“Congratulations to the entire Lindbergh community. Without our determined students, dedicated staff and supportive parents, none of this would have been possible.”