From left, Marlborough Elementary School students Brynn Tornetta and Natalie Marcelline help celebrate the school being named a Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Dept. of Education. (Submitted Photo)
Holy Family and Springfield High School were also named
The U.S Department of Education has recognized three area schools as 2024 National Blue Ribbon Schools — Marlborough Elementary School in Green Lane, Holy Family in Phoenixville and Springfield High School in Delaware County.
Marlborough, which is part of the Upper Perkiomen Valley School District; Holy Family, a school of the Catholic Archdiocese of Philadelphia and Springfield, in the Springfield School District, were among the 356 schools across the nation named as National Blue Ribbon Schools.
This recognition highlights schools that excel in academic performance or make significant strides in closing achievement gaps among different student groups.
While the 2024 National Blue Ribbon Schools reflect the full diversity of American education and 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,” according to a press release issued by the Upper Perkiomen School District.
“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,” Pennsylvania Secretary of Education Khalid N. Mumin said in a press release.
“The National Blue Ribbon Schools Award is a testament to the exceptional achievements of students and educators at each of these schools,” U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona said in a press release. “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 Department of Education 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.
