According to information received from Louisiana's Department of Education, at least 534 schools across Louisiana achieved Recognized or Exemplary Academic Growth based on the 2009 School Performance Scores. Baker’s Park Ridge Elementary School was one of those schools to earn the distinction of Exemplary Academic Growth. In a letter from State Superintendent of Education, Paul G. Pastorek to our Superintendent Estes Taplin, the Louisiana Department of Education expressed appreciation for the tremendous dedication and good work that is taking place in The City of Baker School District and in Park Ridge.

At the time of the letter’s issuance the Department was still conducting the process to determine the final list of qualifying schools and stated that other schools in our district could possibly be recognized in the future. In the mean time a flag confirming Park Ridge as a school of Exemplary Academic Growth was sent and presented to Principal Dave Carter by Elementary Director Iris Walker at the August 3^rd meeting of the Baker Board of Education.

L-R: Director Walker, Principal Carter