Photo: James Rojas (WBZ)
SAUGUS, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) — Pioneer Charter School of Science II in Saugus was one of four Massachusetts schools to receive a 2022 National Blue Ribbon School Award on Monday, along with Edith C. Baker Elementary School and Mount Alvernia Academy in Chestnut Hill and Luther Conant Elementary School in Acton.
The National Blue Ribbon School Program began in 1982 as a way to recognize public and private elementary, middle, and high schools based on their overall academic excellence or their progress in closing achievement gaps among student subgroups.
PCSS II celebrated its award with a blue ribbon cutting ceremony at its 97 Main St. location. The school first operated in temporary space in Everett in 2013 before moving to its permanent location in Saugus the following year.
"We are really focused on the success of every single student, and we really follow that up with emphasis to meeting with the parents where they are," Chief Executive Officer Barish Icin told WBZ NewsRadio.
This is the first time PCSS II has received the Blue Ribbon Award. For the previous two years, it was named a top state and national school in the U.S. News and World Report annual rankings of America’s best schools.
"I think it’s great to have recognition, especially from third parties, even government, to validate the work they’ve been doing, both as instructors and the students themselves," said one parent attending the event.
"Everyone is just so excellent, and, you know, not only academically," said another parent. "My kids are doing really well and they’re motivated all the time. They’re just very happy here too, so I couldn’t be happier."
A total of 297 schools nationally were recognized as Blue Ribbon Award winners.
WBZ's James Rojas (@JamesRojasNews) reports.
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