Required Terms of Use

The “National Blue Ribbon School” name and logo (“Marks”) are service marks of the U.S. Department of Education.

The U.S. Department of Education grants schools that receive the National Blue Ribbon School award (“Schools”) permission to use the Marks for the sole purpose of identifying themselves as recipients of the award. In order to achieve this purpose, Schools may use the Marks on letterhead, newsletters, websites, banners, signage, and novelty items such as clothing, mugs, pens, stickers, lanyards, lapel pins, bumper stickers, or keychains. These items must be for internal use only.

Schools must include the year(s) of their award when publicizing their status as award winners. For example:

Incorrect: Apple Orchard Middle School is a recipient of the National Blue Ribbon School award.

Correct: Apple Orchard Middle School is a 2014 National Blue Ribbon School.

Correct: Apple Orchard Middle School received the National Blue Ribbon School award in 2014.

Correct: Apple Orchard Middle School is a multiple National Blue Ribbon School awardee, 2014 and 2020.

Schools may not alter the Marks.

Logo. Schools may not alter image of the logo. For example, Schools may not incorporate their name into the logo. In addition, Schools may not change the award year or add additional award years at the bottom of the logo. If a School is a multiple year awardee, it must separately display the logo from each year it received the award. Finally, Schools may only use the logo in the official colors, in black and white, or in grayscale.


Name. When referencing the award, schools may not change the wording of the “National Blue Ribbon School” name. For example:

Incorrect: Apple Orchard Middle School is a Blue Ribbon School of Excellence.

Correct: Apple Orchard Middle School is a 2020 National Blue Ribbon School awardee.

Questions? If you have any questions about these Terms of Use, displaying the Marks, or identifying your school as a National Blue Ribbon School award winner, please contact NBRS Technical Assistance by filling out the form below.

Program Distinctions and Name ALERT

Please be aware that the U.S. Department of Education’s National Blue Ribbon Schools program is not associated with the Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence Program, which is sponsored by a non-profit organization in South Carolina. Schools may be contacted by the South Carolina organization to participate in conferences and may be confused by the similar name.