Freeport Area High School joined the ranks of National Blue Ribbon schools last week.

“This is a big deal for us,” said Michael Kleckner, high school principal. “It validates all the work and effort we put into (teaching) our students.”

The school's selection as a Blue Ribbon school by the U.S. Department of Education makes it one of 367 schools honored nationally this year.

Designation is awarded based on a school's academic excellence on all levels.

According to its Blue Ribbon profile, the high school offers students dual enrollment courses with three post-secondary institutions, seven Advanced Placement (AP) classes, and a Career Pathways program to help students personalize their plans beyond high school.

Additionally, the school has 390 students involved in athletics and 225 in music programs. All students participate in at least one club.

During the 2019-20 school year, the school's students completed more than 4,800 hours of community service.

Freeport Area High School joins four other Butler County schools in Blue Ribbon status: Broad Street School (now closed), Center Township Elementary School, Mars Area High School and Seneca Valley Middle School (renamed Ryan Gloyer Middle School).

Traditionally, Blue Ribbon schools are asked to send representatives to a formal recognition event in Washington, D.C. Kleckner said because of the pandemic, that event this year is virtual.

Freeport Area High School has about 600 students, according to Kleckner.

While he said he doesn't know if the school will be able to celebrate its achievement with its district family, he's glad to recognize the strides students and staff have made.

“We're just trying to digest it,” Kleckner said. “Enjoy it.”