A national parenting magazine says Yellowknife has one of the top 30 schools in the country.

Weledeh Catholic School, a kindergarten to Grade 8 school with about 450 students, received the recognition from Today's Parent magazine.

Its principal, Merril Dean, was also named one of three "most passionate principals" in Canada.

Dean said Monday she was surprised and flattered to learn the school was chosen.

"There isn't a day that I go into work that I'm not glad to be there, that the kids don't bring life to me and spirit to me," said Dean, who has been principal for about four years. "I believe that if you're passionate about what you do, the students will become passionate about what they do."

Since Dean took on the principal's job, the school has developed art therapy programs, gender-separated English and math classes and has focused on culture-based learning.

Weledeh was chosen from 500 schools that were nominated by the magazine's readers.