PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY) – Eight Virginia schools, including two in Hampton Roads, were recognized as 2024 National Blue Ribbon Schools by the U.S. Department of Education on Monday.
The U.S. Department of Education determines which schools to acknowledge based on student performance data, including assessment results, student subgroup performance and graduation rates. Schools are honored in one or both of the two performance categories below:
- Exemplary High Performing Schools: These schools are among the top performers in their state as measured by state assessments or nationally normed tests.
- Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing Schools: These schools excel in narrowing achievement gaps between different student groups and the overall student body.
The Virginia schools featured in the performance category of Exemplary High Performing Schools were:
- Virginia Beach – Green Run Collegiate, Virginia Beach City Public Schools
- Langley AFB – Bethel Manor Elementary School, York County Public Schools
- Clifton – St. Andrew The Apostle School, Arlington Diocese
- McLean – Spring Hill Elementary School, Fairfax County Public Schools
The Virginia schools featured in the performance category of Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing Schools were:
- Fincastle – Central Academy Middle School, Botetourt County Public Schools
- Gate City – Gate City Middle School, Scott County Public Schools
- Nokesville – T. Clay Wood Elementary School, Prince William County Public Schools
- Saltville – Saltville Elementary School, Smyth County Public Schools
“These schools demonstrate a strong commitment to the success of all students and should be recognized for their achievement,” said Superintendent of Public Instruction Lisa Coons. “We congratulate the entire school staff, students, families, and communities, and look forward to sharing their great work and example to help raise up other schools’ performance.”
The National Blue Ribbon (NBRS) program’s purpose is to shine a spotlight on the best schools in the United States with the intent of sharing the best practices of outstanding schools across the country.
To learn more about the National Blue Ribbon Schools, visit their website here!