Seven Kentucky schools honored as National Blue Ribbon Schools. One is in Lexington
A Lexington elementary school is one of just five public schools in Kentucky to be honored as a National Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education this year.
The federal recognition puts Cassidy Elementary School, part of Fayette County Public Schools, among about 350 other schools across the country honored with National Blue Ribbon School awards in 2023.
Here’s what to know about the award and a look at the seven public and private schools recognized in Kentucky.
What is a National Blue Ribbon School?
As explained by the U.S. Department of Education, a National Blue Ribbon School is recognized for its overall academic performance or the progress it’s made in closing achievement gaps between students.
An achievement gap is the disparity in academic achievement between different student groups, whether it’s between Black and white students, students from low-income and better-off homes or English-learner students versus native speakers, among other student groups.
The achievement gap shows up in grades on assignments, scores on standardized tests, course selection, dropout rates and college-completion rates, among other measures of academic success. While they show up in academic performance, the gaps are shaped by the socioeconomic conditions students experience inside and outside the classroom. That’s why it’s important to remember overall academic success is only part of the picture of how well a school is serving its students.
Which Kentucky schools received Blue Ribbon awards this year?
Overall, seven Kentucky schools were honored as National Blue Ribbon Schools this year. The U.S. Department of Education announced the award winners Sept. 19.
The following schools will be honored at an awards ceremony Nov. 16 and 17 in Washington, D.C. They will also receive a National Blue Ribbon School flag marking them as award winners.
The schools include:
Cassidy Elementary School in Lexington
Drakes Creek Middle School in Bowling Green
Farmington Elementary School in Mayfield
Potter Gray Elementary School in Bowling Green
Russell High School in Russell
Additionally, two private schools in the commonwealth were named National Blue Ribbon Schools. They include Saint Xavier High School in Louisville and Villa Madonna Academy Elementary School in the Covington area.
Cassidy Elementary School in particular was honored as an exemplary high performing school.
In a social media post shared by FCPS, Cassidy Elementary School principal Jill Hill celebrated the school’s success.
“Receiving the National Blue-Ribbon Award is a tremendous honor and a testament to the hard work, dedication, and excellence of our school community. This prestigious recognition not only acknowledges our commitment to providing a high-quality education but also highlights our ongoing efforts to create a nurturing and inclusive learning environment,” Hill said in the statement. “It is a reflection of the dedication of our outstanding educators, the enthusiasm of our students, and the support of our parents and community members. This award serves as a reminder that when we work together with a shared vision and unwavering determination, we can achieve remarkable outcomes in education.”
In its own statement, the state Department of Education also celebrated the Kentucky schools being honored by federal officials in November.
“I congratulate and thank our newest Blue Ribbon Schools for their hard work to ensure every student has the skills they need for a successful future,” outgoing Kentucky Education Commissioner Jason Glass said in a statement from the Kentucky Department of Education. “This award shines a light on the dedication of school leaders, staff, teachers, families and communities to strive for, and attain, excellence.”
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