U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos has recognized three Mississippi schools as National Blue Ribbon Schools for 2018. The recognition is based on a school’s overall academic performance or progress in closing achievement gaps among student subgroups.
The three schools earning the national distinction for exemplary high performance are Center Hill Middle School in the Desoto County School District, the Eastside Elementary School in the Clinton Public School District, and North Bay Elementary School in the Biloxi Public School District.
“I’m pleased to celebrate with you as your school is named a National Blue Ribbon School,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos. “We recognize and honor your important work in preparing students for successful careers and meaningful lives. Congratulations on your students’ accomplishments and for your extraordinary commitment to meeting their unique needs.”
The coveted National Blue Ribbon Schools award recognizes the hard work of educators, families, and communities in creating safe and welcoming schools where students master challenging and engaging content. Dr. Carey Wright, state superintendent of education, said the schools’ students, teachers and leaders should be commended for earning the national recognition.
“To be designated a National Blue Ribbon school is an honor based on exceptional teaching and learning,” said Dr. Wright. “These schools represent the high-quality public education that takes place across Mississippi each day, and I congratulate them and their communities on this outstanding accomplishment.”
The National Blue Ribbon Schools Program is in its 36th year and has recognized more than 8,800 schools. The 2018 honorees will be recognized at an awards ceremony Nov. 7-8 in Washington, D.C. All schools are honored in one of two performance categories, based on all student scores, subgroup student scores, and graduation rates.
Exemplary High Performing Schools are among their state’s highest performing schools as measured by state assessments or nationally normed tests. Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing Schools are among their state’s highest performing schools in closing achievement gaps between a school’s subgroups and all students over the past five years. Up to 420 schools may be nominated each year.
