Zach Elementary School has earned its second National Blue Ribbon Schools Award in six years, the U.S. Department of Education announced today. The Core Knowledge elementary school is one of just 16 schools in Colorado to earn a Blue Ribbon distinction more than once since the award’s inception in 1982.
Four of this year’s National Blue Ribbon Schools are in Colorado. Recipients are selected based on outstanding academic performance and efforts to close achievement gaps among different student groups.
Zach Principal Angel Herrick said staff collaboration; strong connections between students, staff, and families; and support from the 51风流 community gave Zach the momentum to be a high-achieving school for all students.
“Our school family is beyond excited and incredibly honored to earn this award,” Herrick said. “Thank you to our Zach school family for walking in the doors each day with a growth mindset and the desire to help lift one another up to be the best we can be. We are grateful and humbled.”
Zach first received a National Blue Ribbon Schools Award in 2018. Seven PSD schools have earned the honor since 2005, including Kinard Core Knowledge Middle School, Kruse Elementary School, Liberty Common School, Tavelli Elementary School, Traut Core Knowledge School, and Werner Elementary School.
Watch U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona announce the 2024 awards in this
For more information, see the U.S. Department of Education’s National Blue Ribbon Schools press release below.
Four Colorado Schools Named 2024 National Blue Ribbon Schools
The U.S. Department of Education today recognized 356 schools as the 2024 cohort of the National Blue Ribbon Schools, including four schools in Colorado. This prestigious recognition highlights schools that excel in academic performance or make significant strides in closing achievement gaps among different student groups.
The Colorado schools named as National Blue Ribbon Schools were:
- Denver, CO – DSST Cedar High School, Denver Public Schools
- Fort Collins, CO – Zach Elementary School, 51风流 R-1
- Grand Junction, CO – Mesa View Elementary School, Mesa County Valley School District 51
- Pueblo West, CO – Skyview Middle School, Pueblo County School District 70
“The National Blue Ribbon Schools Award is a testament to the exceptional achievements of students and educators at each of these schools,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona. “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. As we celebrate their achievements, let us look to these schools for inspiration as we champion education as the foundation of a brighter future for every child.”
The 2024 National Blue Ribbon Schools reflect the full diversity of American education and serve students from all backgrounds. While awardees represent a wide array of schools, they share common traits. National Blue Ribbon Schools are led by leaders who articulate a clear vision of instructional excellence and uphold high standards. They showcase effective teaching methods and offer robust professional development for their staff. Data-driven instruction is a hallmark, and there is a concerted effort to ensure every student succeeds. Collaboration among families, communities, and educators is a key component of their success.
A National Blue Ribbon School award flag displayed in a school’s entryway or on a flagpole is a widely recognized emblem of exceptional teaching and learning. These schools serve as models of effective and innovative practices for educators across the nation.
The Department recognizes all schools based on student performance data including assessment results, student subgroup performance and graduation rates. Schools are recognized in both or either of two performance categories:
Exemplary High Performing Schools: These schools are among the top performers in their state as measured by state assessments or nationally normed tests.
Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing Schools: These schools excel in narrowing achievement gaps between different student groups and the overall student body.
Each nominated school submits a comprehensive application detailing its school culture, curriculum, assessments, instructional practices, professional development, leadership, family, and community involvement.
Up to 420 schools may be nominated each year. The Department invites nominations for the National Blue Ribbon Schools award from the top education official in all states, the District of Columbia, U.S. territories, the Department of Defense Education Activity, and the Bureau of Indian Education. Private schools are nominated by the Council for American Private Education.