Five local schools among nation’s best

Five local schools have been named 2009 U.S. Blue Ribbon Schools.

One Philadelphia school, three Montgomery County schools and a Bucks County school all won the honor, given by the U.S. Department of Education to schools that are either "academically superior" or demonstrate dramatic gains in student achievement.

The winners, announced today, are Bodine High School for International Affairs in Philadelphia; Waldron Mercy Academy in Merion Station; Epiphany of Our Lord School in Plymouth Meeting; Ad Prima Charter School in Bala Cynwyd and Grey Nun Academy in Yardley.

Pennsylvania Secretary of Education Gerald Zahorchak praised the schools in a statement today.

"Pennsylvania's Blue Ribbon schools are to be commended for their dedication to academic excellence," Zahorchak said. "By upholding high standards and accountability, these schools are helping to ensure our students can perform and succeed alongside the best and brightest the world has to offer."

Representatives from winning schools will travel to Washington D.C. later this year to collect the honor in a formal ceremony.

No local New Jersey schools won the honor this year.