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Oklahoma City's Western Village Academy was named one of the nation's 53 best charter schools, the Center for Education Reform said Wednesday in Washington.

The National Charter Schools of the Year were honored for academic achievement, innovation and accountability.

Schools in 24 states were selected from the nearly 4,000 charter schools that operate in the nation.

Western Village Academy, the state's first charter elementary school, was the only Oklahoma school on the list.

Winners got $500.

Academy Director Tobi Campbell thanked school staff and volunteers and Integris Health for support.

The school has 300 mentors who assist students.

In a unique arrangement, Integris operates the school.

The selection process began in fall 2006, when schools responded to a survey.

The Center for Education Reform, which advocates charter schools and school choice, then invited a small percentage of respondents to submit additional, detailed information.

Evaluations were based on achievement, planning and execution, satisfaction, and policies and programs. These included additional criteria such as improvement over time, percentage of at-risk students served, meeting mission and goals, and parental involvement.

"Charter schools across the nation succeed despite limited resources and oftentimes hostile bureaucratic environments,” education reform center President Jeanne Allen said in a news release.

"They are the heroes in a civil rights struggle for educational choice, particularly for children and parents of limited means. We're delighted to recognize some truly shining examples.”