Three county elementary school have been honored by the Maryland State Department of Education with awards signifying their exceptional work with gifted and talented students.

Belvedere, Edgewater, and Pasadena elementary schools earned Excellence in Gifted and Talented Education (EGATE) awards for their outstanding efforts aligned to Maryland’s Criteria for Excellence Guidelines and standards for Gifted and Talented education over a 27-month period. The schools make up nearly 25 percent of the 13 schools to earn the designation statewide this year.

“As we seek to Elevate All Students and Eliminate All Gaps, we must address the needs of all of our students,” Superintendent George Arlotto said. “These distinctions are recognition of that work on the part of every one of our staff members at these schools.”

The schools will also serve as models and resources for schools across the county and the state. They will be formally recognized at a statewide event next month.