Saratoga Springs High School Named National BannerUnified Champion

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Saratoga Springs High School has earned the National Banner Unified Champion School status for the second time. The school is one of only 36 National Banner schools across New York State.

The distinction marks the highest level of achievement for Unified Champion Schools in the nation, recognizing their ability to create inclusive school communities where all students are accepted and celebrated.

In Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools, students with and without disabilities play on the same sports teams and take physical education courses together. Students learn inclusive leadership skills and lead campaigns and activities that engage the entire school community to encourage inclusion among their peers.

To earn National Banner status, schools must meet 10 standards of excellence, demonstrating their commitment to Unified Sports, inclusive youth leadership, and whole-school engagement. Schools must also show that their inclusive programs are sustainable for the long term.