Two Northern Kentucky schools were designated as National Blue Ribbon Schools in 2024 by the U.S. Department of Education.
Shirley Mann Elementary School in Union and Holy Cross High School in Covington were selected as two schools that have exemplified excellent academic performance over the past year, per a release from the Kentucky Department of Education. These Kentucky schools were among 356 others across the country recognized this year.
“I congratulate and thank our newest Blue Ribbon Schools for their hard work to ensure every student has the skills they need for a successful future,” Kentucky Commissioner of Education Robbie Fletcher said in a press release. “This award highlights the commitment to excellence that teachers, staff, families and communities have, as well as their dedication to be ‘All In’ for their students.”
National Blue Ribbon Schools, according to the Kentucky Department of Education, serve as models of effective school practices for state and district educators nationwide.
The program recognizes schools in one of two performance categories based on all student scores, subgroup student scores and graduation rates:
- Exemplary High-Performing Schools: Among the state’s highest performing schools as measured by state assessments or nationally normed tests.
- Exemplary Achievement Gap-Closing Schools: Among the state’s highest performing schools in closing achievement gaps between a school’s student groups and all students.
The 2024 National Blue Ribbon Schools will be honored at an awards ceremony in Washington D.C. later in the school year.