COLUMBIA, MD — Waterloo Elementary has been named a Maryland Blue Ribbon School, officials announced on Tuesday. It was one of six schools to receive the state recognition for 2017-2018.

The schools were chosen for their high achievement, according to the Maryland State Department of Education, which picks the honorees. The six schools were Waterloo Elementary School in Howard County, Fallston Middle School in Harford County, West Towson Elementary School in Baltimore County, Urbana Elementary School in Frederick County and Bannockburn Elementary School and Luxmanor Elementary School in Montgomery County.

"Each one of these schools is laser-focused on student success, and the results speak for themselves," State Superintendent of Schools Dr. Karen Salmon said in a statement. "Creative teachers work with engaged and dedicated administrators, parents and the community to develop strong learning environments for their students." Here is what the state had to say about Waterloo Elementary School:

Waterloo "is a pre-k-5 school that also houses a regional program providing instruction and support for students with emotional disabilities. With a disadvantaged student population of over 45%, the school has a PARCC average of 60% of all students meeting or exceeding expectations in math and English language arts. Waterloo won a Gold Award three consecutive years for its implementation of PBIS. Waterloo is also a professional development school with Towson University. In the past three years, 14 student teams from Waterloo earned Top 3 honors in the Rube Goldberg and Safe Racer Engineering Challenges; 16 students were chosen to participate in the HCPSS Band & Strings Honors and GT groups, and 66 students participated in the 5K Girls on the Run/Let Me Run programs that prepare them to compete in a 5K race. As a Certified Green School, students planted 122 trees around the school and created, landscaped, and now maintain a rain garden." Waterloo Elementary and the five other Maryland Blue Ribbon Schools will each receive a Maryland Blue Ribbon flag; a monetary prize; $1,000 in office supplies; interactive technology equipment; and a congratulations party at the school. There will also be a dinner in Annapolis to honor them on March 12, 2018, where the state House of Delegates and Senate will recognize them.

The Maryland Blue Ribbon Schools may also apply to become National Blue Ribbon Schools, a designation that is awarded by the U.S. Department of Education.

