WMBD/WYZZ TV - BLOOMINGTON -- Fox Creek Principal Mark Robinson has spent seven years building this school from the ground up. Robinson says, "I have taken it on as a personal challenge, and the last seven years have not been without our struggles."

But now those struggles have paid off in success. Fox Creek Elementary has been named a 2007 Blue Ribbon School - it is now among the best in the United States.

While the kids may not understand the magnitude of being just one of 287 schools to be a standout in achievement, Robinson says the kids do understand what it takes to make it work. He says, "Everything that they do, and those little pieces, the completion of homework, the taking pride in what you do, the quality in your work, the respect that you show to each other - all of those things weigh in."

Chad Colby is the Deputy Assistant Secretary with the U.S. Department of Education. Colby says, "They have a high free and reduced lunch population and yet the students still learn, they're still in the 80 and 90th percentile in reading and math."

Which Robinson says just proves that all kids can learn, thanks to Fox Creek's formula to success. Robinson says, "High expectations, building relationships with your students and your parents."

Fox Creek now joins the ranks of other local Blue Ribbon schools, including Warren Shepherd Junior High in Ottawa and Metamora Grade School.