What sets them apart?

Liberty's Principal Stephanie Brown says their 242 students get individual attention in the classroom thanks to duel teaching.

"One teacher is, maybe, giving all instruction and the other teacher is walking around to make sure that all children are on task.  If there's any questions or problems, they can do that one on one with that student."

Brown says they also use positive reinforcement for their K-4 students, but the kids know what comes first. "We have a lot of fun here, but we truly concentrate on the academics."

At Wirt County High School, Principal Kenneth Heiney says being named a Blue Ribbon School is a real team effort.

"I think it's just another positive step for small rural schools. We're able to work with individuals. All the teachers know all the kids. They've very concerned and teachers work hard. The community supports what we do."

With just 325 students, Heiney says Wirt County High School is proof that bigger isn't always better.

"I think with technology today that we are able to compete in rural communities with larger schools."

Heiney says they take advantage of virtual classroom technology and computers to give students an A-plus education.

Both principals and one teacher from each school will be traveling to Washington D.C. in November to receive their Blue Ribbon Award.