Two Butler County public school districts are making the grade in providing a quality education, according to a recently released report.

The National Council for Home Safety and Security released its Top 500 School Districts in America list, which takes into account a number of issues for deciding educational success. The group is a trade association with a focus on community involvement.

Data was collected from 9,577 districts across the country, with criteria focused on student performance, school funding and poverty and dropout rates. Mars School District placed 252nd, while Seneca Valley School District placed 349th.

“I am always proud of Mars School District and this recognition exemplifies the dedication of our teachers, administrators, staff, students and families to work toward excellence in all areas,” said Wesley Shipley, Mars superintendent.

Linda Andreassi, communications director for the Seneca Valley School District, said officials are pleased to be included in “such an elite group.”

“As stated in our mission, we are striving to provide a safe academic environment with academically challenging opportunities, and this is validation of those continuing efforts,” she said. “We thank our entire school community for working in partnership with us to reach such status.”

According to a release, the group's study found a correlation between success and school funding.

“The schools that perform the best have plenty of it, and those that don't typically underperform in key areas,” the release states.

The group also focused on dropout and poverty rates, which they believe to be intertwined, though the release also indicates a district with ample funding may still not be able to stop some students from dropping out.

“While schools may provide adequate textbooks and other learning materials, poorer students are often deprived of basic needs such as proper nutrition and domestic stability that are essential to fostering positive academic performance,” the release states.