In a significant recognition of educational excellence, five public and one private school in North Carolina have been awarded the prestigious National Blue Ribbon Schools title for 2024. Announced by U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona, these schools are part of an elite group of 356 schools nationwide that have demonstrated exceptional academic performance or significant progress in closing achievement gaps.
Recognized North Carolina Schools
The honored public schools from North Carolina include:
- Martin L. Nesbitt, Jr. Discovery Academy – Buncombe County Schools
- Hope Middle School – Pitt County Schools
- McDowell Early College – McDowell County Schools
- Willow Springs Elementary School – Wake County Public School System
- Rock Ridge Elementary School – Wilson County Schools
In the words of U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona, “The National Blue Ribbon Schools Award is a testament to the exceptional achievements of students and educators at each of these schools. The 2024 National Blue Ribbon Schools are raising the bar for our nation’s students, serving as models for effective teaching and intentional collaboration in their schools and communities. As we celebrate their achievements, let us look to these schools for inspiration as we champion education as the foundation of a brighter future for every child.”
Statewide Recognition
State Superintendent of Public Instruction Catherine Truitt extended her congratulations to the winning schools, acknowledging their dedication to excellence and student achievement.
“I’m so proud to see these schools recognized for their incredible accomplishments and dedication to their students,” Truitt stated. “Their entire school communities – including educators, students, parents and members of the community – illustrate the amazing things happening in North Carolina’s public schools, ultimately leading the way toward stronger schools across our state and even better outcomes for students.”
About the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program
The National Blue Ribbon School award highlights the concerted efforts of students, educators, families, and communities in fostering safe and engaging learning environments. These schools exemplify effective educational practices, serving as inspiration for educators and schools across the country.
Since its inception in 1982, the program has bestowed approximately 10,000 awards to over 9,000 schools, with some being recognized multiple times. North Carolina alone has seen 143 public schools honored with this award since the program began.
Categories and Nominations
Schools are recognized in one of two categories based on student scores, subgroup performance, and graduation rates:
- Exemplary High Performing Schools: Among the highest performing schools in their state, as determined by state assessments or nationally normed tests.
- Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing Schools: Among the best in closing achievement gaps between different student subgroups over the past five years.
Annually, up to 420 schools can be nominated. The U.S. Department of Education accepts nominations from top education officials across the states, including the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, the Department of Defense Education Activity, and the Bureau of Indian Education. For private schools, nominations are managed by The Council for American Private Education.
For more details, photos, and descriptions of the 2024 National Blue Ribbon Schools, visit National Blue Ribbon Schools Award Winners. Further insights can be found in the news release from the U.S. Department of Education.
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