Eight Schools Named National Blue Ribbon Schools

Eight Wisconsin schools recently received national recognition for strong academic performance or progress in closing achievement gaps among student subgroups on standardized assessments.

The Wisconsin schools selected as 2023 National Blue Ribbon Schools are among 353 recognized by the U.S. Department of Education for their success. Wisconsin’s 2023 National Blue Ribbon Schools are:

• Houdini Elementary School (Appleton Area School District)
• Brookfield East High School (Elmbrook School District)
• Darlington Elementary/Middle School (Darlington Community School District)
• Evans Elementary School (Fond du Lac School District)
• Monroe Elementary School (School District of Janesville)
• North Lakeland Elementary School (North Lakeland School District)
• New Richmond Paperjack Elementary School (School District of New Richmond)
• Willow Glen Primary School (Saint Francis School District)

The award is a tribute to the dedication of students, educators, families and communities around the state. According to the USDE, the program has recognized more than 9,700 schools nationwide.

“The honorees for our 2023 National Blue Ribbon Schools Award have set a national example for what it means to Raise the Bar in education,” U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona said in a news release. “The leaders, educators, and staff at our National Blue Ribbon Schools continually inspire me with their dedication to fostering academic excellence and building positive school cultures that support students of all backgrounds to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.”

National Blue Ribbon Schools are recognized in one of two performance categories, which are based on all student scores, subgroup students scores, and graduation rates:

• Exemplary High-Performing Schools are among their state’s highest performing schools as measured by state assessments or nationally normed tests.
• Exemplary Achievement Gap-Closing Schools are among their state’s highest performing schools in closing achievement gaps between a school’s student groups and all students. Nominated schools also complete an extensive narrative application describing their school culture and philosophy, curriculum, assessments, instructional practices, professional development, leadership structures, and parent and community involvement.

Up to 420 schools may be nominated for the award each year. For more information on the National Blue Ribbon School Program, visit the USDE’s program website.