Longfellow Elementary School was one of three finalists for the Colorado Success Transformational Impact award.
The award is given to schools making extraordinary gains in academic achievement.
Longfellow Principal Chuck McKenna accepted the award on behalf of the school. McKenna thanked the school board, administration and the city of Salida for embracing education and making Salida an educational community.
Longfellow beat out Aurora Quest and Manassa Elementary in the North Conejos School District for the top honor. Besides the honor of being named the top elementary school in the state, Longfellow picked up $15,000 and will receive customized professional training.
The awards ceremony was broadcast on Denver TV station KUSA channel 9.