For the third consecutive year, the Alabama Independent School Association has named Marengo Academy a Blue Ribbon School.

Blue Ribbon School designation exemplifies excellence in teaching, student performance, school life, and school and community interaction. Headmaster John Holley said an award winner is an excellent school involved in an on-going process of school improvement.

“It’s certainly an honor,” he said. “There’s a lot of work that goes into being a Blue Ribbon school, by the students and the teachers. We’re proud of all of them.”

The AISA has been steadfast in its efforts since 1970 to maintain an organization of independently operated non-public schools that are rich in diversity, committed to academic excellence, and deeply concerned about the growth and development of children and youth. The association’s goal is to provide quality educational opportunities for those parents choosing an alternative to public education.

The AISA Blue Ribbon program is sponsored by the AISA to recognize member schools with outstanding educational programs.

To be considered for the award, each school must be accredited by AISA, all professional staff must meet AISA professional criteria and the school’s SAT scores must meet or exceed the national average. Marengo Academy tested 11 points higher than the national average.

Students also shoulder some responsibility for this award outside the classroom. Each school must have students who participate in extra curricular opportunities in academics as well as athletics and arts. Marengo Academy currently has Had 13 clubs and organizations.

Students must also be involved in community service projects.

Among the other requirements, The school had to submit video of the school grounds, which must be in excellent physical condition; the school must have nominated students for top academic awards for AISA; must have school wide technology plan; a school improvement plan that is ongoing; can have no existing priorities from last Southern Association of Colleges and Schools visit and have no academic or athletic sanctions in the past 12 months.