MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. -- Marines here aren't the only ones to practice leaving no one behind. Even the base elementary schools are accounting for their own.

On Sept. 20, Santa Margarita Elementary, one of six elementary schools here became the only San Diego County elementary school to be notarized as a 2005 No Child Left Behind – Blue Ribbon School.

The 22-year-old national recognition program honors schools academically superior to others or demonstrate dramatic gains in student achievement.

The school, part of the Oceanside Unified School District, was among 34 public schools and seven private schools in the state to receive the recognition.

Santa Margarita delivered high test scores and redesigned its program to meet federal NCLB legislation.

Reports released in August showed the school surpassed annual state and federal academic benchmarks.

California’s academic performance index standard benchmark score is 800. In 2004, Santa Margarita Elementary scored 816.

The school raised its score to 852 this year – a testament to diligence of the staff in instilling self-confidence and providing a healthy learning environment, according to Pat Kurtz, the Santa Margarita Elementary School principal.

One of the things that make this school so successful is the caring atmosphere –everyone that works with the children believe in their success, which allows the children to believe in themselves, said Kurtz.

“You’ll see signs (at the school) that say, ‘the place where all students succeed’ – everyone believes that,” Kurtz said.

A ceremony to recognize other schools across the country that have met or exceeded will be held Nov. 10-11 in Washington, D.C.