5 Alabama schools recognized as National Blue Ribbon Schools for 2022

Get ready to applaud—five Alabama schools have been recognized as National Blue Ribbon Schools for 2022! Read on to find out which schools received the award.

About the National Blue Ribbon Award

The National Blue Ribbon award is part of the National Blue Ribbon School program and is the highest national honor awarded to a school by the US Department of Education.

Beginning in 1982, the US Department of Education has sought out and celebrated schools that demonstrate that all students can achieve to high levels.

Over its 39 years, the program has given more than 10,000 awards to over 9,000 schools, with some schools winning multiple awards.

Each year, The US Department of Education accepts 420 school nominations for the National Blue Ribbon Schools award.

Public school nominations come from the top education official in each US state as well as:

• The District of Columbia, US territories
• The Department of Defense Education  
• The Bureau of Indian Education. 

Private schools are nominated by the Council for American Private Education. 

What makes a school a National Blue Ribbon award winner? 

The US Department of Education recognizes public and private elementary, middle and high schools based on two categories: 

• Overall academic excellence
• Progress in closing achievement gaps among student subgroups

“I applaud all the honorees for the 2022 National Blue Ribbon Schools Award for creating vibrant, welcoming and affirming school communities where students can learn, grow, reach their potential and achieve their dreams. 

Blue Ribbon Schools have gone above and beyond to keep students healthy and safe while meeting their academic, social, emotional and mental health needs. These schools show what is possible to make an enduring, positive difference in students’ lives.”

Secretary Cardona, US Department of Education

Now, on to the winners

Are you ready to find out which Alabama schools were recognized as National Blue Ribbon Schools for 2022? Here’s the list:

• Walter Jackson Elementary School—Decatur City School District
• Elberta Elementary School—Baldwin County Public School District
• Moody Elementary School—St. Clair County School District
• Newton Elementary School—Dale County School District
• Piedmont Elementary School—Piedmont City School District

All five Alabama schools that received the award are first-time winners and join the list of 120 Alabama public and private schools that have received the award since the program began in 1982.

Elberta Elementary, Newton Elementary and Piedmont Elementary are all Title I schools where more than 40% of students are economically disadvantaged.

Congratulations to each of these Alabama schools!

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