AUSTIN — Langham Elementary School in Nederland is being applauded for educating the campus’ economically disadvantaged population to strong results.

The school was highlighted this week by the Texas Education Agency for nomination as a 2020 National Blue Ribbon School.

Langham must now complete a rigorous application process; national award winners will be announced in September.

“We are so proud of the faculty, students and staff at Langham Elementary. This campus has a long-standing reputation of being high performing and we are honored that this has been recognized with this nomination,” said Superintendent Dr. Robin Perez.

Schools that receive the designation are recognized at the Blue Ribbon Schools Awards Ceremony in Washington, D.C.

Initiated by the U.S. Department of Education in 1982, the National Blue Ribbon Schools program recognizes public and private elementary, middle and high schools that have high student achievement and/or highlights where exemplary progress has been made in closing achievement gaps among student subpopulations.

In the Lone Star State, public schools are considered for nomination based on student performance on the first administration of the previous year’s STAAR assessments.

Each nominated school has an economically disadvantaged population of 25 percent or more.

Langham is being singled out in the Exemplary High-Performing Schools category.

Langham Elementary Principal Toby Latiolais said the Blue Ribbon School nomination is something Langham considers a great honor.

“Having this exclusive distinction is a testament to the hard work put forth by our staff and students,”Latiolais said. “Everyone in the Langham school community played a role in achieving this. We are committed to continuing this level of success for many years to come.”

Nederland ISD will celebrate the nomination with a reception at Langham Elementary on Feb. 19 at 3:30 p.m. in the Langham Elementary cafeteria and recognition at the February board meeting.

To learn more about this program visit https://www2.ed.gov/programs/nclbbrs/index.html.