Check to see if your school has been nominated.
WASHINGTON — Hold onto your backpacks, folks! The National Blue Ribbon Schools (NBRS) Program is at it again, celebrating schools that are truly a cut above the rest. This year, several shining stars from the DMV area have been nominated for this prestigious honor, proving that when it comes to education, they’re not just making the grade — they’re acing it!
For over forty years, the NBRS Program has been like the Oscars for schools, recognizing exceptional public and non-public elementary, middle, and high schools across the country. Launched in 1982 by Secretary of Education Terrel H. Bell, the program aims to spotlight schools that excel academically or are closing achievement gaps among diverse student populations. Each year, schools are nominated based on rigorous academic performance metrics and their strides toward inclusivity.
This year, the DMV boasts an impressive lineup of nominees that represent a blend of public, charter, and non-public schools committed to excellence.
Here’s a look at the schools nominated in the DMV:
DC
DC Bilingual Public Charter School
Nomination Category: Exemplary High Performing SchoolsPayne Elementary School
Nomination Category: Exemplary High Performing Schools
Maryland
Bells Mill Elementary School (Potomac)
Nomination Category: Exemplary High Performing SchoolsBishop McNamara High School (Forestville)
Nomination Category: Exemplary High Performing SchoolsChapel Hill Elementary School (Perry Hall)
Nomination Category: Exemplary High Performing SchoolsImmaculate Conception School (Towson)
Nomination Category: Exemplary High Performing SchoolsOur Lady of Perpetual Help School (Ellicott City)
Nomination Category: Exemplary High Performing SchoolsSaint John the Evangelist School (Severna Park)
Nomination Category: Exemplary High Performing SchoolsSt. Joseph School (Cockeysville)
Nomination Category: Exemplary High Performing SchoolsSt. Mary Elementary School (Annapolis)
Nomination Category: Exemplary High Performing SchoolsWoodfield Elementary School (Gaithersburg)
Nomination Category: Exemplary High Performing SchoolsWorthington Elementary School (Ellicott City)
Nomination Category: Exemplary High Performing Schools
Virginia
Bethel Manor Elementary School (Langley AFB)
Nomination Category: Exemplary High Performing SchoolsCentral Academy Middle School (Fincastle)
Nomination Category: Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing SchoolsGate City Middle School (Gate City)
Nomination Category: Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing SchoolsGreen Run Collegiate (Virginia Beach)
Nomination Category: Exemplary High Performing SchoolsSaltville Elementary School (Saltville)
Nomination Category: Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing SchoolsSpring Hill Elementary School (McLean)
Nomination Category: Exemplary High Performing SchoolsSt Andrew The Apostle School (Clifton)
Nomination Category: Exemplary High Performing SchoolsT. Clay Wood Elementary School (Nokesville)
Nomination Category: Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing Schools
The nominees share some things in common including a dedication to high standards, innovative teaching practices, and a strong sense of community. They are places where teachers inspire, students engage, and everyone works toward a common goal.
But it’s not just about the awards; being a National Blue Ribbon School can attract new partnerships, enhance community support, and instill a sense of pride among students and staff.
Every year, the U.S. Department of Education rolls out the red carpet for the National Blue Ribbon Schools at an awards ceremony in Washington, D.C. Each honored school receives a plaque and a flag to symbolize their exemplary status.
So here’s to the DMV schools nominated for the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program. They’re not just teaching our kids, they’re lighting the way to a brighter future.