Along with 43 elementary schools, 11 middle schools and 18 high schools, Lexington Trails Middle School received the Governor’s Achievement Award, an award that showcases academic success of schools across the state, for the first time.

To achieve the award, a school must have achieved Adequate Yearly Progress in the Reading and Mathematics state assessments, as well receiving the Standard of Excellence on both exams. The school must rank in the top 5 percent of schools in the state. In addition middle and elementary schools must have high attendance rates and high schools must have high graduation rates.

 LTMS principal Steve Ludwig is excited for the award.

 “While I knew that our scores were good, I did not realize that we were in the top 5 percent of Kansas middle schools,” Ludwig said. “It is certainly nice to have the hard work of our staff and students recognized on the state level.”

Ludwig attributes the success to multiple things, especially the school’s expectation of excellence.

“The success that we have had is the result of the dedication of specifically those teachers who are preparing them with engaging lessons and high quality instruction,” Ludwig said. “Even beyond that, the students who transition to LTMS have been well prepared in the basics they need so we can continue to move them forward to outstanding achievement.”