This year represents the 40th anniversary of the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program. Congratulations to the more than 9,000 awardees recognized since 1983. Six schools in Maryland (one in Montgomery County) have been recognized in 2023– they are listed below.
The National Blue Ribbon Schools (NBRS) Program is one of the U.S. Department of Education’s longest-running recognition programs. NBRS recognizes outstanding public and non-public elementary, middle, and high schools based on their overall high academic achievement or success in closing the achievement gap among diverse groups of students. Since its inception, the goals of the program are to shine a spotlight on the best schools in the United States and to share best practices of outstanding schools across the country.
Each year, the U.S. Department of Education works with state departments of education to identify and nominate outstanding schools for this coveted award based on student academic achievement measures and progress toward closing achievement gaps. Through a rigorous review process, the U.S. Department of Education awards several hundred outstanding schools annually, to celebrate their achievement. This prestigious award serves not only as a symbol of exemplary American schools, but also as inspiration for schools across the nation. It affirms the hard work of students, educators, families, and communities in creating safe and welcoming schools where students thrive. Full list of Maryland schools recognized can be seen below:
• Stone Mill Elementary School
14323 Stonebridge View Drive North Potomac, MD 20878-4811
Phone: (240) 740-5450
District: Montgomery County Public Schools
• Church Hill Elementary School
631 Main Street
Church Hill, MD 21623-9756
Phone: (410) 556-6681
District: Queen Anne’s County Public Schools
• Matapeake Elementary School
651 Romancoke Road Stevensville, MD 21666-2637
Phone: (410) 643-3105
District: Queen Anne’s County Public Schools
• Northeast Elementary School
11001 Forest Avenue NE Cumberland, MD 21502-8152
Phone: (301) 724-3285
District: Allegany County Public Schools
• Oakdale High School
5850 Eaglehead Drive Ijamsville, MD 21754-9711
Phone: (240) 566-9400
District: Frederick County Public Schools
• Smithsburg Middle School
68 North Main Street Smithsburg, MD 21783-9606
Phone: (301) 766-8353
District: Washington County Public Schools
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