The U.S. Department of Education recognized six Tennessee public schools on Tuesday as being National Blue Ribbon Schools, meaning they are considered among the best in the nation for overall academic excellence or progress in closing achievement gaps among students.
“These schools serve as a model of excellence across the state,” state Education Commissioner Candice McQueen said in a news release. “The students, teachers, administrators and parents in these communities have made thoughtful and innovative decisions to promote student learning and deserve to be recognized for this outstanding achievement.”
The Middle College High School of Shelby County, and Clovercroft Elementary and Ravenwood High schools of Williamson County were recognized for their high performance on the TCAP. Falling Water Elementary School of Hamilton County, Buchanan Elementary of Rutherford County, and Trousdale County High School were recognized for closing the gap between historically underserved student groups and their peers over the last five years.
The U.S. Department of Education will honor the 285 public and 50 private National Blue Ribbon Schools at a recognition ceremony on Nov. 9-10 in Washington, D.C.
“This honor recognizes your students’ accomplishments and the hard work and dedication that went into their success,” U.S. Education Secretary Arne Duncan said in a video message to the awardees. “Your journey has taught you collaboration, intentional instruction, and strong relationships in school and with your community. You represent excellence — in vision, in implementation and in results — and we want to learn as much as we can from you.”
You can read each of the Blue Ribbon schools’ applications here.