Eight Virginia schools earn National Blue Ribbon Award

Gov. Ralph Northam has recognized eight Virginia schools—seven public and one private—named as National Blue Ribbon Schools by the U.S. Department of Education. Every year since 1982, the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program honors public and private elementary, middle, and high schools across the country for demonstrating superior academic performance or making substantial progress in closing student achievement gaps.

The seven Virginia public schools recognized as 2018 National Blue Ribbon Schools are as follows:

• Chancellor Elementary School in Spotsylvania County
• Colonial Elementary School in Botetourt County
• Deep Run High School in Henrico County
• Francis W. Jones Magnet Middle School in Hampton City
• Harrington Waddell Elementary School in Lexington City
• Keene Mill Elementary School in Fairfax County
• St. Paul Elementary School in Wise County

Blessed Sacrament School and Early Childhood Center, a private school in Alexandria, also received a 2018 National Blue Ribbon School honor. The Council for American Private Education (CAPE) nominates private schools for National Blue Ribbon awards each year.

“Every Virginian—no matter who they are, where they’re from, or where they live—deserves access to a quality, world-class education that will set them up for success in life,” said Northam. “These schools represent diverse communities across our Commonwealth, sharing a strong commitment to academic excellence and innovative, high-quality instruction. I join all Virginians in celebrating the hard work and achievement of our students and teachers.”

“I am so proud to celebrate these schools that have been recognized for their academic accomplishments and efforts to close the achievement gap,” said Secretary of Education Atif Qarni. “We congratulate our hard-working students and applaud their teachers, administrators and staff who daily go above and beyond to support all the needs of all of their students.”

“I look forward to visiting these schools and personally congratulating the principals, teachers, students, parents and support staff for their hard work and all they do to create learning communities in which students grow and excel,” Superintendent of Public Instruction James Lane said.

The U.S. Department of Education will honor all 2018 National Blue Ribbon Schools at an awards ceremony on November 7 and 8 in Washington, D.C.

For more information about the National Blue Ribbon Schools program and the schools receiving the 2018 designation, please visit the U.S. Department of Education website.