ARLINGTON - St. Francis of Assisi School in Triangle has been designated a National Blue Ribbon School for 2019 by U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos. The honor was announced Sept. 26. St. Francis is one of 50 private schools to receive the award and the only school in the Diocese of Arlington to be recognized this year.

ARLINGTON – St. Francis of Assisi School, grades pre-K through eighth, in the Catholic Diocese of Arlington is being recognized as an Exemplary High Performing National Blue Ribbon School for 2019 by the U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos. The award highlights the achievement of the students, educators, families and larger community at St. Francis of Assisi. Only 50 non-public schools are recognized annually. Bishop Michael F. Burbidge, Catholic Diocese of Arlington said, “I am very proud to hear that St. Francis of Assisi Catholic School has been recognized as a National Blue Ribbon School. This award acknowledges the quality of education at St. Francis of Assisi and demonstrates the collaborative efforts of parents and catholic educators in the academic and faith formation of our students. I commend and thank the entire St. Francis of Assisi school community for what they have accomplished and ask God to continue to bless all their endeavors.”

TRIANGLE - Tricia Barber, principal of St. Francis of Assisi School in Triangle, hit the ground running when she started her job 25 years ago. She was knee-deep in the school accreditation process and construction of the school building within a month of being named principal.