'Charles Pinckney Elementary School is a local and national example of ‘what works' in public education,' said CCSD Superintendent Dr. Nancy McGinley.

'The faculty works hard and plans meaningfully to consistently achieve excellence, and I am so proud of them - students, faculty, principal, and parents - for earning this prestigious nomination,' she continued.

The program, run by the U.S. Department of Education, honors public and private K-12 schools that are either academically superior or that demonstrate dramatic gains in student achievement.

'These five schools have excellent records in student achievement,' State Superintendent of Education Jim Rex said.

 'They make it possible for each and every student to succeed, and they are led by outstanding principals working with dedicated teachers and support staff.'

The nominees are:

Greenville Technical Charter High School, Greenville County School District; Powdersville Elementary School, Anderson School District One; Howe Hall Arts Infused Magnet School, Berkeley County School District;  Ballentine Elementary School, School District Five of Richland and Lexington Counties; and Charles Pinckney Elementary School, Charleston County School District

The 2010 winners will be announced next fall, and the awards ceremony will be held in Washington in Nov.