Previously called the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program, the program

was reorganized in 2003 to recognize public and private K-12 schools that

are either academically superior in their states or that demonstrate dramatic

gains in student achievement.

Nominated schools must demonstrate dramatic improvement in a school environment

with significant populations of students from disadvantaged backgrounds or

score in the top 10% on state assessments. Seaborn Lee was nominated for

increased gains on 2003 assessments.

Principal Emily Massey, who became the school's leader in August 2003,

credits a new school focus, a strong strategic plan, and positive, open dialogue

between staff and school administrators as reasons for the increase in student

achievement. Fourth grade reading scores rose from 57 percent in 2002 to

88 percent in 2003 of students meeting or exceeding expectations on the state

CRCT test. In language arts, scores rose from 54 percent to 86 percent and

math scores rose from 47 percent to 84 percent.

�"Our school motto is 'Expect Excellence Every Day'," she

said. "We expect our students to work hard and do their absolute best.

It's these high expectations that help our students excel and reach

higher. We know that our children can do anything they set their minds to."