ST. LOUIS – The list for this year’s National Blue Ribbon Schools have been announced. Both Missouri and Illinois received a total of 26 of these awards across schools, with eight of those being awarded in our area.
The achievement awards individual schools for “outstanding academic achievement,” which is defined as within the state’s top 15 percent in English and mathematics assessment scores and graduation rates, as well as high-level performance while working with a large number of disadvantaged students, according to Missouri DESE.
Missouri
Bristol Elementary School—Webster Groves School District
Meramec Elementary School—Clayton School District
Ralph M. Captain Elementary School—Clayton School District
Metro Academic and Classical High School—Saint Louis Public Schools
Oakwood Elementary School—Hannibal 60 School District
Three additional schools were named as Blue Ribbon Schools within the Richland and Blue Springs School Districts. All eight of the winners were also deemed Missouri Gold Star Schools.
“Congratulations to the students, teachers, and staff members at each of these schools for this extraordinary accomplishment,” Missouri DESE Commissioner of Education Karla Eslinger said in a release. “These schools go above and beyond to provide the best education possible for their students. We appreciate their commitment and commend them for a job well done.”
Illinois
Mascoutah Elementary School—Mascoutah CUD 19
Maryville Elementary School—Collinsville CUSD 10
“I am extremely proud of the 18 Illinois schools named National Blue Ribbon Schools for 2024,” Illinois State Superintendent of Education Dr. Tony Sanders said in a release. “These schools reflect a statewide commitment to educational equity and excellence. The title of National Blue Ribbon School is one of the highest honors a school can earn. Thank you to the educators, administrators, families, and community members who work hard to make these schools centers of growth and achievement for each and every one of their students.”
According to the Illinois State Board of Education, a National Blue Ribbon School award flag will stand in the school’s entryway or on a flagpole.
Over 350 schools across the United States were presented with the National Blue Ribbon Award this year. Recipients will be awarded at the ceremony on Nov. 7 and 8 in Washington, D.C.
