September 30, 2015 - Mount Alvernia Academy Named Blue Ribbon School

Mount Alvernia Academy is one of five schools named in Massachusetts  

Only Private School in Northeast Named to List 

Mount Alvernia Academy (www.maa.school), a Catholic coeducational school in Chestnut Hill, has been named a Blue Ribbon School for 2015 by the U.S. Secretary of Education, Arne Duncan. Mount Alvernia Academy, which educates students Preschool-Grade 6, is one of five schools in Massachusetts and the only private school in the Northeast to achieve this honor; one of 335 schools in the United States.

The National Blue Ribbon Schools Program recognizes public and private elementary, middle, and high schools based on their overall academic excellence or their progress in closing achievement gaps among student subgroups. The Academy is recognized as an Exemplary High Performing School, and it is the only private school in Massachusetts to receive this honor. The school’s application highlighted many exciting initiatives, such as a rigorous curriculum with test scores above the national average, a volunteering partnership with Boston College, a dedication to social outreach and service, and a strategic plan that enables technological advancement.

“Catholic schools have a distinguished history of preparing students for success in life by providing a superior educational experience combined with sound spiritual and personal formation,” said Cardinal Seán O’Malley. “We congratulate the community at Mount Alvernia Academy as they are designated a Blue Ribbon School in recognition of their commitment to academic excellence in a faith based environment.”  Cardinal Seán is scheduled to celebrate Mass at Mount Alvernia Academy on Monday, October 5, 2015 at 10 a.m. Media wishing to cover the visit must RSVP to Meghan Stellman at [email protected].

Kathy Mears, the superintendent of Catholic Schools in the Archdiocese of Boston, said, “I am delighted that Mount Alvernia Academy is receiving the recognition it deserves. Being named a Blue Ribbon School is a tremendous honor and Principal Barbara Plunkett and the school community should be extremely proud. I had the honor of witnessing the announcement at the school and the excitement on the faces of the children was thrilling. This is an exciting day for Mount Alvernia Academy and the Archdiocese of Boston!”

Mrs. Plunkett affirmed the integrity of the children at MAA.  She stated, “The children live the Academy’s mission daily through hard work, service, and Franciscan spirituality. They embrace the mission as they follow in the footsteps of Jesus, St. Francis, and St. Clare, sharing their gifts with others to make the world a better place.”

In November, Mount Alvernia Academy will be honored along with the other award-winning schools at a recognition ceremony in Washington, D.C. Each school will receive an award plaque and a flag as symbols of their accomplishments.