Distinguished school

Black Mountain Primary (BMP) School has been recognized by the state for their dedication to student success and success in addressing achievement gaps.

At a recent awards ceremony in Raleigh, Black Mountain Primary was named Top 10 in the State for closing the achievement gap between student groups for two or more years. The school submitted a detailed portfolio to demonstrate their dedication to student success.

“Showcasing the wonderful happenings that take place at Black Mountain Primary through the portfolio was an honor,” said Principal Kelly Owen. “Our school is a special place to grow and learn with amazing staff, parents, students, and community support.”

This distinction is part of a larger program- The National Title I Distinguished School Program. The award recognizes schools that hold students to high standards and demonstrate exemplary school effectiveness. The National ESEA Distinguished Schools Program is a project of the National Association of ESEA State Program Administrators (NAESPA) that publicly recognizes qualifying federally funded schools for positive educational advances and the outstanding academic achievement of their students.

“I am so proud of the work our faculty and staff have put in to support and grow all of our young learners,” said Superintendent Dr. Rob Jackson. “This is a special honor for the Warponies and representative of the work happening across our school system. The teachers and staff of Black Mountain Primary are dedicated to student success. With the help of supportive families and community members, the school is demonstrating that achievement gaps can be narrowed and closed.”

In their thorough application, Black Mountain Primary highlighted many of  the amazing programs that contribute to student success. Specifically, the dedication to the arts is reflected in student success. 

“Black Mountain Primary School has the honor of being an A+ School of North Carolina. As an A+ school, collaboration and multi-discipline integrations with the arts are continuously woven into every child’s learning experiences,” said Principal Owen. “Our teachers plan across grade levels to incorporate the arts into all disciplines. BMP will continue to be a North Carolina A+ school after observing 13 years of students' educational growth through this program. Each year we grow in our knowledge of how to increase student growth and student confidence. We are meeting the developmental and cultural needs of our students in an equitable manner by implementing current research based programs school wide.”

The school highlighted their top notch professional development, valuable community and family partnerships, and unwavering commitment to student success that is at the heart of being a National ESEA Distinguished School! 

“As the community of BMP, it is essential to provide a caring, respectful, and safe learning environment,” said Principal Owen. “We are committed to enabling students to reach their highest potential by embracing each child’s unique learning style, building character and integrity, and preparing active and positive contributors in our community by building collaborative problem solvers and critical thinkers.  As a caring and safe community, Black Mountain Primary builds meaningful memories with all students, parents, and staff to prepare learners for success - ‘B-Building Community M-Making Memories P-Preparing for Success!’”

Congratulations to the students, teachers, staff, and administrators of Black Mountain Primary School!