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About National Blue Ribbon Schools

What is the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program?

The National Blue Ribbon Schools (NBRS) Program is one of the U.S. Department of Education’s longest-running recognition programs. NBRS recognizes outstanding public and non-public elementary, middle, and high schools based on their overall high academic achievement or success in closing the achievement gap among diverse groups of students.  Since its inception in 1982, the goals of the program are to shine a spotlight on the best schools in the United States and to share best practices of outstanding schools across the country.

National Blue Ribbon Schools are places where students are challenged and engaged.

Each year, the U.S. Department of Education works with state departments of education to identify and nominate outstanding schools for this coveted award based on student academic achievement measures and progress toward closing achievement gaps. Through a rigorous review process, the U.S. Department of Education awards several hundred outstanding schools annually, to celebrate their achievement.  This prestigious award serves not only as a symbol of exemplary American schools, but also as inspiration for schools across the nation.   It affirms the hard work of students, educators, families, and communities in creating safe and welcoming schools where students thrive.

Now in its 40th year, the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program has bestowed almost 10,000 awards to more than 9,000 schools, with some schools winning multiple awards. National Blue Ribbon Schools represent the full diversity of American schools: public schools, including charter schools, magnet/choice schools, Title I schools, and non-public schools including parochial and independent schools. The schools range in size, geographic locale (urban, suburban, and rural), and type. These schools serve students of every social, economic, and ethnic background.

While awardee schools represent the diverse fabric of American schools, they share some core elements.  National Blue Ribbon School leaders not only articulate a vision of excellence and hold everyone to high standards, but they also stay close to the real action of teaching and learning. Faculty are valued and supported through meaningful professional learning and opportunities to work as colleagues and peer supporters. Data from many sources drive instruction and student support services to ensure every student is set up to succeed. Families, communities, and educators work together toward common goals.

Each year, the U.S. Department of Education honors the National Blue Ribbon Schools at the awards ceremony in Washington, D.C. At the ceremony, each school receives a plaque and flag to signify its exemplary status. These schools serve as examples for other schools throughout the nation and details of their achievements are shared on the U.S. Department of Education’s website.

Background

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Secretary of Education Terrel H. Bell originated the Blue Ribbon Schools program in 1982.

The National Blue Ribbon School Program was the brainchild of the second Secretary of Education, Terrel H. Bell, who served from 1981-1985. Best known for commissioning the study of American education that resulted in A Nation at Risk, Bell created the National Blue Ribbon Schools Award in 1982. Bell wanted to bring public attention to the best schools in the United States and to facilitate communication and sharing of best practices within and among schools. At the same time, Bell also originated the Distinguished Principal Award to recognize the critical role school leaders play in effective schools. This award became known as the Terrel H. Bell Award for Outstanding School Leadership.

The program is supported through ongoing collaboration with the National Association of Elementary School Principals, the Association for Middle Level Education, and the National Association of Secondary School Principals.

Award Categories and Nomination Process

“Exemplary High Performing” schools have their state’s highest high school graduation rates and the highest achieving students (the top 15%) in English and mathematics, measured by state assessments.

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The National Blue Ribbon Schools program is a potent source of practitioner knowledge.

“Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing” schools have made the greatest advances (top 15%) in closing student subgroup achievement gaps in English and mathematics over the past three to five years, measured by state assessments.

National Blue Ribbon Schools recognizes non-public schools as “Exemplary High Performing” if their student achievement in English and mathematics is among the highest in the country (top 15%), measured by state assessments or nationally normed tests.

Public schools are nominated by the Chief State School Officer in each state, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) and the Bureau of Indian Education (BIE). At least one-third of public schools nominated in each state must have high percentages of students from disadvantaged backgrounds. “High percentage” typically means at least 40 percent unless a state has a lower average percentage of students from disadvantaged backgrounds. All public schools must also meet their state’s annual measurable performance targets. The Council for American Private Education (CAPE) nominates non-public schools, including parochial and independent schools. A total of 421 schools nationwide may be nominated, with state allocations determined by the number of K-12 students and schools in each jurisdiction, ranging from a minimum of three schools to a maximum of 35. CAPE may nominate up to 50 non-public schools.

The Impact of National Blue Ribbon Schools

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National Blue Ribbon Schools share best practices.

The Award’s effect on schools and communities is powerful. As one principal recalled, “Being named a National Blue Ribbon School is an honor, and it is our job as recipients of the award to continually create an environment that promotes lifelong learning for all students.”

Many National Blue Ribbon Schools find they attract new business partners, financial assistance, and volunteers. If school choice is an option, numbers of student applications soar. Less quantifiably, the Award inspires students: “You have pride, knowing your school worked so hard to reach that goal,” one student wrote. The Award re-energizes staff and parents. Teachers describe a renewed commitment to exchanging new ideas with one another. As one teacher noted, “Networking with educators from around the country helped me create lasting connections I wouldn’t have had the opportunity to make anywhere else. I met like-minded teachers and administrators all while feeling honored to be a part of such a magnificent event. The NBRS events and ceremony will continue to have a positive influence on my teaching and the education provided by my school. What an honor.” Student pride and staff confidence grow.

Often awarded school principals and teacher leaders present at state, regional, and professional meetings on how they have become successful. District and state educators visit these model schools to learn about promising leadership and instructional strategies.

Selected profiles of schools are featured on the NBRS website, along with exemplary practices and awardee applications and school summaries. National Blue Ribbon Schools are frequently profiled in the Department’s newsletters and blogs.

Note

* A student from a “disadvantaged background” is defined by the CSSO of each state. At a minimum, the definition may include students eligible for free and reduced-price school meals, students with disabilities, and students who are limited English proficient, migrant, or receiving services under Title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, as amended by the Every Student Succeeds Act of 2015.