CENTERVILLE, La. — Four St. Mary schools were recognized for promoting student achievement levels at an increased rate of progress in comparison to schools with similar student populations by the National Center of Educational Achievement, a department of ACT.

The schools and their subject areas of distinction are:

—Morgan City Junior High School in science and social studies.

—Berwick Junior High School in English language arts.

—Foster Elementary in math and English language arts.

—Hernandez Elementary in math.

Identification as a higher performing school is based on one or both of two measures: consistent improvement in student achievement from previous years and/or absolute student achievement using the advanced achievement level as reported on the 2010-12 i-LEAP for grades 3, 5, 6 and 7 and LEAP in grade 4.

The final selection process additionally incorporates adequate yearly progress and socio-economic barriers.

Superintendent Donald Aguillard praised the four schools for working together toward “a unified goal of accomplishments for all students regardless of any obstacles that might otherwise impede success. The need to develop students that have the skills necessary for college and careers is of paramount importance lending enhanced significance to the NCEA’s acknowledgement of growth and advanced achievement.”