Dozens of schools nationwide, led by members of the American Federation of School Administrators (AFSA), have received Blue Ribbon designation from the U.S. Department of Education. The National Blue Ribbon Schools Program, which began in 1982, honors public and private schools for their academic excellence or progress in reducing achievement gaps among student subgroups.
Leonard Pugliese, President of AFSA, stated, “Blue Ribbon Schools are institutions that have demonstrated outstanding efforts in promoting teamwork, collaboration and a holistic approach to education. These schools have gone above and beyond to create an environment where students, teachers, and administrators work together seamlessly to achieve academic success and personal development.”
Each year, the U.S. Department of Education honors American schools that show all students can reach high levels of achievement. The National Blue Ribbon School award is a testament to the dedication of students, educators, families, and communities in building safe and welcoming schools where students engage in challenging content. The National Blue Ribbon School flag is a symbol of exemplary teaching and learning.
Pugliese further noted, “I know firsthand that school leadership and solid teamwork is the compass that guides a learning community toward excellence, ensuring that every student’s potential is unlocked and nurtured whether your school wins a Blue Ribbon or not. Teamwork in school fosters a collaborative spirit that transforms individual potential into collective excellence, laying the foundation for academic achievement.”
Several AFSA-led schools now proudly fly the Blue Ribbon flag, including:
– Daniel Hand High School in Madison, CT (Exemplary High Performing Schools), with 789 students, led by Chris Farrell, Anthony Salutari Jr., Melanie Whitcher, and Brian Bodner.
– Hawthorne Scholastic Academy in Chicago, IL (Exemplary High Performing Schools), hosting 619 students, led by Principal Trish Davlantes and AP Ellie McCabe.
– Fordham High School for the Arts in Bronx, NY (Exemplary High Performing Schools), serving 345 students, led by Nicholas Verrillo, Alyson Weaver, Michael Johnson, Jr., and Maha Hasen.
– Bells Mill Elementary School in Potomac, MD (Exemplary High Performing Schools), with 596 students, led by Rachael Abramson, Brooks Kemp, Sarah Havenstein, Stacy Smith, Mark Fenton, and Tiffany Jackson, alongside Dr. Peter Moran and Dr. Tomas Taylor.
– John Muir Elementary School in Berkeley, CA (Exemplary High Performing Schools), with a student body of 271, led by Paco Furlan and his team.
Other recognized schools include Ricardo Richards Elementary School in Kingshill, VI, PS 130 Elementary School and MS 255 Salk School of Science in New York, NY, along with many more, all demonstrating significant academic achievements and collaborative efforts led by their dedicated teams.
