HARRISBURG, PA — The Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) recently announced that 13 schools across the Commonwealth have been honored with the prestigious National Blue Ribbon Schools designation by the U.S. Department of Education. This accolade recognizes educational excellence and the significant strides made in closing achievement gaps among students.
The award recipients represent a diverse array of educational institutions that have demonstrated outstanding academic performance and innovative strategies to foster student success. Pennsylvania Secretary of Education, Dr. Khalid N. Mumin, hailed the schools as exemplars of educational excellence, stating, “Pennsylvania’s National Blue Ribbon Schools represent the best and brightest in providing a world-class education to their students, creating exceptional learning opportunities, and closing achievement gaps.”
The honored schools include a mix of elementary, middle, and high schools from various counties, reflecting the diverse fabric of Pennsylvania’s educational landscape. These schools have excelled in either being among the top performers in their state or successfully narrowing the achievement gaps between different student demographics.
The schools recognized as 2024 National Blue Ribbon Schools are:
- Economy Elementary School, Ambridge Area School District, Beaver County
- Marlborough Elementary School, Upper Perkiomen School District, Montgomery County
- West Hanover Elementary School, Central Dauphin School District, Dauphin County
- Richland Elementary School, Richland School District, Cambria County
- Mercer Area High School, Mercer Area School District, Mercer County
- Central High School, Philadelphia City School District, Philadelphia County
- Holy Family School, Archdiocese of Philadelphia, Chester County
- Dorseyville Middle School, Fox Chapel Area School District, Allegheny County
- Connoquenessing Elementary School, Butler Area School District, Butler County
- Saltsburg Elementary School, River Valley School District, Indiana County
- Quaker Valley Middle School, Quaker Valley School District, Allegheny County
- Springfield High School, Springfield School District, Delaware County
- Oakview Elementary School, Lakeview School District, Mercer County
Nationally, 356 schools received the Blue Ribbon honor in 2024, celebrating their contributions to advancing educational standards. U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona lauded the achievements, saying, “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.”
This recognition spotlights Pennsylvania’s educational institutions’ efforts in fostering environments where students can thrive academically and personally. As these schools set benchmarks for educational achievement, they serve as beacons of inspiration for others striving to provide quality education across the state and nation. The National Blue Ribbon Schools Program continues to highlight the critical role of schools in shaping the future by nurturing student growth and fostering inclusive educational practices.
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