Waldron Mercy Academy (WMA) was selected as a 2000-2001 Blue Ribbon School of Excellence by the United States Department of Education - one of 29 elementary Catholic schools nationwide. WMA was the only Catholic school in the country to receive a special emphasis award in technology! Our success has been published in the following national publications: Momentum, PC Teach It, and Blue Ribbon Practices for Catholic Schools.

The Blue Ribbon, the most prestigious education award in the country, distinguished Waldron Mercy for its excellence in leadership, teaching, curriculum, student achievement, parent involvement, and community support. Schools selected for recognition prepared an extensive written nomination package representing a thorough self-evaluation. The process involved assessing the strengths and weaknesses of the school and developing plans to improve for the future. When evaluating nominations, the Department of Education looks for overall school quality, including challenging standards and curriculums, excellent teaching, ongoing professional development by teachers and staff members, a safe and supportive school environment, family and community partnerships, and high or improving students' performance on measures of achievement.

Waldron Mercy was one of 264 schools selected from a total of 453 applicants. Of the 79 private schools that applied, only 41 (52%) actually achieved this distinction. Established in 1982, the Blue Ribbon Schools Program celebrates elementary and secondary schools in alternate years. To date, more than 3,500 public and private school have been recognized.