RALEIGH — Five public schools and one private school in North Carolina have been named National Blue Ribbon Schools for 2024 by U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona.
The schools are among 356 educational institutions across the nation recognized this year for their outstanding academic performance or significant progress in closing achievement gaps.
Schools are honored in one of two performance categories: Exemplary High Performing Schools and Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing Schools.
The North Carolina public schools receiving the National Blue Ribbon award were Martin L. Nesbitt, Jr. Discovery Academy (Buncombe County Schools); Hope Middle School (Pitt County Schools); McDowell Early College (McDowell County Schools); Willow Springs Elementary School (Wake County Public School System); and Rock Ridge Elementary School (Wilson County Schools)
Immaculate Catholic School, located in Durham, was the private school that won the award. The school earned the award as an Exemplary High Performing School.
“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 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.”
North Carolina State Superintendent Catherine Truitt said in a press release, “I’m so proud to see these schools recognized for their incredible accomplishments and dedication to their students. Their entire school communities – including educators, students, parents and members of the community – illustrate the amazing things happening in North Carolina’s public schools, ultimately leading the way toward stronger schools across our state and even better outcomes for students.”
Since the program’s inception in 1982, 143 public schools in North Carolina have been recognized with the award.
In 2023, eight schools in the state received the award.
Up to 420 schools may be nominated each year. The nomination process involves top education officials from all states, plus the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, the Department of Defense Education Activity, and the Bureau of Indian Education. Private schools are nominated by The Council for American Private Education.
