Bright Beginnings Pre-K has been selected out of more than 140 applicants as a 2011 CLAS Banner School.

This recognition was created in 2001 to recognize schools in Alabama that showcase outstanding programs and service to students, according to the congratulatory letter from the Council for Leaders in Alabama Schools.

Only 10 schools were given the recognition across the state, and Federal Programs Director Amy Bryan said she believed this was the first Pre-K program to be selected.

“I want everybody to know that our program is 11 years old, and we celebrated 10 years last year,” Bryan said. “We are serving 90 students in the year before kindergarten to help foster early school success.”

Bryan said that Bright Beginnings is more than just learning ABC’s and 123’s,” Bryan said. “We use state performance standards for 4 year olds.”

The other schools that were selected across the state included Calera High School, Cullman Middle School, Engineering Academy of Austin & Decatur High Schools, Piedmont Elementary School, Piney Chapel Elementary School, Priceville Elementary School, Rockwell Elementary School, Sequoyah School and Winterboro School.

Any school in the state of Alabama can apply to get this recognition, Bryan said.

All of the schools will be recognized at a luncheon in Montgomery on April 24.

The school will get a sign to display their recognition and present the award in front of the classroom as well as other superintendents and principals, Bryan said.

“I think we’ve been the best kept secret in Butler County,” Bryan said.

“Hopefully this will show to our local people as well as those superintendents and principals what we have here is truly a outstanding approach to early school success.”