2 Las Vegas Valley schools named among best in the country

Two Las Vegas Valley schools were named among the best in the country today, earning the National Blue Ribbon School award from the U.S. Department of Education.

Bonner Elementary School in Las Vegas and Dooley Elementary School in Henderson joined Caughlin Ranch Elementary School in Reno as the only Nevada schools to receive the national award.

The U.S. Department of Education gave the award to the top 337 schools in the country, based on academic achievement or progress in closing student achievement gaps.

The honor has been given to just under 7,900 schools since the award was established 31 years ago.

“This is a proud day for these three schools,” State Superintendent Dale Erquiaga said in a news release. “I congratulate the students, teachers and staff at these schools for their commitment to excellence in education. These schools are shining examples of what can be accomplished when everyone is focused on student learning.”

Nevada’s schools will join 284 other public schools and 50 private schools on Nov. 10 and 11 in Washington, D.C., for a recognition ceremony.