For the fifth year running, Pike Liberal Arts School has been awarded Blue Ribbon designation by the Alabama Independent School Association.

The designation was awarded for the 2011-2012 school year.

A Blue Ribbon school exemplifies excellence in teaching, student performance, school life and school and community interaction.

“The AISA recognizes schools that maintain excellent performance with Blue Ribbon designation, which is one of the highest recognitions awarded to an AISA school,” said Ceil Sikes, PLAS headmaster. “We are extremely honored to have again been awarded this AISA designation. The recognition shows that, at PLAS, we place strong emphasis in academics and promote the well being of all children in an environment that is conducive to learning on a high level.”

According to information released by PLAS, 90 percent of its graduates pursue college while another 10 percent attend trade school, enroll in the military or continue in family business.

The PLAS students continue to test above grade level in all areas. The grade equivalent for second-graders in reading was 4.9; for fourth-graders, 6.7; for sixth-graders, 9.1; and for eighth-graders, 11.1

The grade equivalent for second-graders in math was 4.0; for fourth-graders, 7.1; for sixth-graders, 8.8; and for eighth-graders, 10.3.

“We cannot stress enough the dedication of our faculty or the strong support and continued encouragement of parents and the entire PLAS family in the pursuit of excellence,” Sikes said.  Sikes said that schools must reapply each year for the Blue Ribbon designation. “Last year 19 of the 65 AISA schools achieved Blue Ribbon status,” she said. “This year 28 schools qualified. That shows that AISA schools are committed to excellence.”