Two area schools received recognition from the Ohio Department of Education for high academic achievement.

Ironton and Symmes Valley high schools were among the 141 schools statewide to be named a “School of Promise.” Being a School of Promise is about believing in Ohio’s students, Dr. Richard A. Ross, superintendent of public instruction, said via press release.

“The schools recognized are examples of what can happen when principals, teachers, parents and the community members all believe that children can learn” Ross said. “These schools overcome significant challenges to provide high-quality education to Ohio children.”

Those challenges often include the proper education of impoverished students in tough economic climates.

“To be recognized you have to have a high proficiency rate on the state assessment test,” said Greg Bowman, principal at Symmes Valley High School. “But you also have to serve a significant number of students from disadvantaged homes.”

The recognition is a major honor for the schools, but also a testament to the work and dedication of the community Bowman said.

“It’s a great honor,” he said. “It means we are doing our jobs as educators, but it takes everyone. Parent and community involvement played a big role.”

The purpose of the Schools of Promise program is to close the educational achievement gap between students of different economic upbringings.

“We have been effected by socioeconomics,” Jim Rowe, principal at Ironton High School, said. “But our kids and our staff have done a good job of overcoming whatever challenges that presents. We feel like we prepare all our students as good as anyone for post-graduation regardless of outside parameters.”

Ohio has more than 900 high schools and only 45 were named Schools of Promise. Ironton and Symmes Valley were the only two in Lawrence County. Rowe says Ironton’s reception of the honor is owed to a collaboration of efforts from elementary up to high school.

“There is great communication and collaboration between all the schools in the city,” Rowe said. “It starts with the work they are doing at the elementary and middle school level before they ever get here (Ironton High School).”

For Symmes Valley this is the third-straight year the school has been recognized by the state as a School of Promise, while Ironton has been received the honor three times in the past 10 years.