Yesterday 5 South Carolina schools were named National Blue Ribbon Schools by the U.S. Department of Education. According to the Department of Education, “the recognition is based on a school’s overall academic performance or progress in closing achievement gaps among student groups on assessments. These schools demonstrate what is possible to make an enduring, positive difference in students’ lives.” A total of 353 schools nationwide received this distinction, this included 313 public schools and 40 private schools. 3 of the 5 North Carolina schools recognized were public schools. The other two were private religious-based schools.
The award-winning schools will be formally recognized at an awards ceremony on November 16 and 17, 2023 in Washington, DC. This is the 40th year the Department of Education has selected the National Blue Ribbon Schools. According to the department, the criteria for public schools are as follows:
Performance Award Criteria for Public Schools:
In order to be eligible for nomination, a school must meet several criteria based on the performance of its students on state assessments in reading (or English language arts) and mathematics or a composite of performance on these assessments with other measures of student performance (e.g., student growth on state assessments, performance on state assessments in other subjects, graduation rates, or other indicators in the state’s accountability system).
You can read more about the eligibility requirements here. Congratulations to each of these five South Carolina Schools that received the National Blue Ribbon Schools recognition. The three public schools are interestingly enough all elementary schools. Furthermore, one of the private schools offers elementary, middle, and high school while the other offers education up to eighth grade. Keep reading to see and learn a little more about each of these schools. Congratulations and thank you to the teachers and staff of these schools for giving your best to the children of South Carolina!
