Horizon Elementary School fifth-graders graduated as Super Citizens last school year. Horizon recently was named to the 2015-2017 National PTA Schools of Excellence. (CONTRIBUTED)

MADISON – The National PTA organization has recognized Horizon Elementary School in its 2015-2017 National PTA Schools of Excellence.

A school that earns this honor must have a record of building strong, effective family-school partnerships, which is a key to making a difference for students on campus.

“More than 40 years of research shows that, when families and schools work together, student achievement increases, schools improve and communities grow stronger,” National PTA President Laura Bay said.

“National PTA Schools of Excellence are true examples of what can be accomplished when schools and families collaborate,” Bay said.

Among the 2015-2017 National PTA Schools of Excellence, 36 percent are Title 1 schools and almost two-thirds have more than 30 percent of their student population that qualify for free and reduced-price lunch. Together, the schools serve more than 93,500 students.

National PTA launched this awards program in 2013 to help strengthen family-school partnerships across the country and make measurable progress in the areas of education, health and safety and exploration of arts and culture.

The National PTA School of Excellence designation is awarded when families feel the school has achieved a high level of engagement or when the PTA and school have made substantive, positive improvement in families’ perceptions since the beginning of the school year.

The National PTA surveyed schools, like Horizon, that receive the award. Almost 95 percent of families felt they are treated fairly regardless of their age, race or cultural background. About 80 percent of families understand the academic standards their child is expected to meet and how their school’s curriculum is linked to those standards.

All winners in Alabama were in Madison County. Along with Horizon, Lee and Grissom High and Whitesburg middle schools in Huntsville City Schools earned the award.

National PTA comprises millions of families, students, teachers, administrators and business and community leaders devoted to the educational success of children and the promotion of parental involvement in schools. PTA is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit association.

For more information, visit PTA.org/Excellence.