Bridgeport Diocese Schools Keep Scoring Big

BRIDGEPORT, CT (WCBS 880) - In all, 12 elementary schools in the Bridgeport Diocese have been awarded Blue Ribbon status by the U.S. Department of Education.

LISTEN: WCBS 880 Connecticut Bureau Chief Fran Schneidau reports

Bishop William Lori says even in the midst of a lingering recession, the schools have maintained their enrollment and he says the academic results are astounding.

"The test scores have shot up across the board. There is no achievement gap in the Catholic schools of the Diocese of Bridgeport," Lori told WCBS 880 Connecticut Bureau Chief Fran Schneidau.

The bishop credits the energy and inspiration of Doctor Margaret Dames, his school superintendent.

Under her leadership, more than one third of the diocese schools have achieved the Blue Ribbon status.