2 Lansing-area schools are models for state, MDE says

OKEMOS - Two Lansing-area schools are among the high-performing buildings the rest of Michigan's educators can learn from, the Michigan Department of Education said Thursday.

Haslett's Vera Ralya Elementary School and the Okemos Public Montessori-Central are among 13 Michigan schools to receive the U.S. Department of Education's National Blue Ribbon designation. That program honors schools for student performance on state tests, attendance and graduate rates, MDE said. The federal agency awards the designation to 13 schools from each state each year.

In a statement accompanying the announcement, State Superintendent Brian Whiston said that, “to become a Top 10 education state within 10 years, we must replicate the accomplishments of these National Blue Ribbons Schools in all corners of the state."

The winning schools will be honored at a reception in November in Arlington, Va.