On September 28, the U.S. Secretary of Education named the Folk Arts–Cultural Treasures Charter School (FACTS) a National Blue Ribbon School. FACTS is one of 349 schools across the nation receiving this award this year.
Principal Pheng Lim said, “I am especially honored to be designated an Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing School because FACTS was founded on principles of equity and social justice.”
Lim further stated, “I hope that this recognition can help promote the idea that our children thrive when their cultures and languages and dialects are welcomed into our schools and when we take time to build community. Even in the face of budget cuts and the misplaced emphasis on high stakes tests, we must make time for music and art, joy and activism in our schools.”
“This award is a testament to the hard work of our entire staff and all of our students, as well as to the dedication of students’ families to their children’s success. I also want to take this opportunity to express pride and solidarity with my fellow educators across the City of Philadelphia. Together, through our shared commitment to public education, we improve the lives of our City’s children and families.”
ABOUT BLUE RIBBON SCHOOLS:
U.S. Secretary of Education, John B. King, Jr., announced today that FACTS has been named a 2016 National Blue Ribbon School. FACTS is one among 279 public and 50 private schools receiving this honor.
Schools are nominated for the award by the state department of education, and then complete a comprehensive application about school practices. Schools may apply for status as Exemplary High Performing—among the top schools in a state—or Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing—schools making the fastest progress in their state in closing achievement gaps among student subgroups.
For more information about the National Blue Ribbon Schools program, please visit http://nationalblueribbonschools.ed.gov/