Eight public schools in Georgia have been recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as 2018 National Blue Ribbon Schools.
“I congratulate these schools whose efforts on behalf of students have been recognized nationally,” said State School Superintendent Richard Woods. “All over the state of Georgia, communities, leaders, educators, parents and students are coming together to create brighter future, and a brighter Georgia. That light is shining brighter and brighter every day.”
The schools receiving the recognition this year include: Austin Elementary School in DeKalb County, Britt David Elementary Computer Magnet Academy in Muscogee County, Heards Ferry Elementary School in Fulton County, Kittredge Magnet School in DeKalb County, Lake Windward Elementary School in Fulton County, Settles Bridge Elementary School in Forsyth County, Shakerag Elementary School in Fulton County Schools, and Simpson Elementary School in Gwinnett County.
Schools are chosen in two categories:
• Exemplary High Performing Schools are among their state’s highest performing schools as measured by state assessments or nationally-normed tests. Student subgroup performance and high school graduation rates are also at the highest levels.
• Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing Schools are among their state’s highest performing schools in closing achievement gaps between a school’s subgroups and all students over the past five years. Student subgroup performance and high school graduation rates for each subgroup are at high levels.
At least one-third of the public schools nominated by each state must be schools with a high percentage of students from disadvantaged backgrounds. The definition may include economically disadvantaged students — those who are eligible for free and reduced-price school meals; students with disabilities; students who are limited English proficient; migrant students; and/or students receiving services under Title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, as amended by the Every Student Succeeds Act of 2015.
Five Georgia private schools also received the National Blue Ribbon recognition: Athens Academy in Athens, Christ the King School in Atlanta, Holy Redeemer Catholic School in Johns Creek, Mount Bethel Christian Academy in Marietta, and Saint James Catholic School in Savannah.
The selection process for private schools differs from the process for public schools. The schools are selected and recognized by the Council for American Private Education (CAPE).
National Blue Ribbon Schools are honored each year at a recognition ceremony in Washington, DC
