Patrick F. Taylor Science and Technology Academy, one of Jefferson Parish’s top-performing public schools, was named a National Blue Ribbon school today by the U.S. Department of Education.

Taylor, a six-year-old magnet in Old Jefferson for sixth through 12th grades, is one of 304 U.S. schools so honored. Three others in Louisiana also were named Blue Ribbon schools: Eunice Elementary, Ruby-Wise Elementary in Pineville and Ryan Elementary in Baton Rouge.

Principal Jaime Zapico credited Taylor’s broad community: teachers, students, parents and staff.

“We’re a team here,” she said. “Collaboration is something we focus on.

“Our students come every day and give it their all. We set expectations high, and they exceed them.”

This year’s Blue Ribbon schools will be honored Nov. 15 and 16 at a ceremony in Washington, where they will receive a plaque and a flag signifying their status.