DOWNINGTOWN, PA — Downingtown STEM Academy has been named one of 12 Pennsylvania Blue Ribbon Schools for 2026, giving the Downingtown Area School District its second consecutive year of state recognition for academic achievement, school improvement and student support.
The Pennsylvania Department of Education selected the academy for the statewide distinction, which evaluates schools on academic performance, improvement, school culture, student well-being and special education services.
The designation follows Lionville Elementary School’s selection in 2025, when Pennsylvania established its Blue Ribbon Schools program.
The state initiative was modeled after the U.S. Department of Education’s National Blue Ribbon Schools program and recognizes schools demonstrating achievement and progress across multiple educational measures.
Downingtown STEM Academy, which opened in fall 2011, serves approximately 950 students in grades nine through 12.
The school operates as an International Baccalaureate World School, offering an academically rigorous curriculum with pathways emphasizing science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
Its instructional model incorporates partnerships with businesses, families and community organizations to support student learning and academic development.
Principal Art Campbell credited the recognition to the combined contributions of students, educators, families and community partners.
“While this award bears the name of STEM Academy, it belongs to everyone who has contributed to our success,” Campbell stated. “Thank you for believing in our students and in our mission.”
The selection places Downingtown STEM Academy among a small group of Pennsylvania schools recognized this year under the state’s relatively new program.
For the Downingtown Area School District, the designation marks another statewide acknowledgment of its educational programs, following Lionville Elementary’s recognition in the inaugural class.
Superintendent Bob O’Donnell and Campbell are scheduled to represent the district at the Pennsylvania Department of Education’s Standards Aligned System Institute in Hershey in December, where they will formally accept the award.
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