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News Release - Five Colorado schools named 2019 National Blue Ribbon Schools

Sept. 26, 2019

Five Colorado schools named 2019 National Blue Ribbon Schools

DENVER – The Colorado Department of Education congratulates the five Colorado schools named by U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos as 2019 National Blue Ribbon Schools, celebrating their high academic outcomes and efforts to close the achievement gap among student subgroups. 

“We celebrate the hard work of these schools and the positive impact on our students, educators, parents and communities,” said Colorado Education Commissioner Katy Anthes. “I know teachers and staff have worked incredibly hard to support their students and make sure they all have the opportunities to succeed." 

The Colorado schools awarded are:

  • Bradley International School (Denver Public Schools)
  • DSST Byers Middle School (Denver Public Schools)
  • Lois Lenski Elementary School (Littleton Public Schools)
  • Slavens K-8 School (Denver Public Schools)
  • Summit Middle Charter School (Boulder Valley School District)

“We recognize and honor your important work in preparing students for successful careers and meaningful lives” said U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos. “As a National Blue Ribbon School, your school demonstrates what is possible when committed educators hold all students and staff to high standards and create vibrant, innovative cultures of teaching and learning.”

The National Blue Ribbons Schools award is a symbol of excellence and quality that honors America’s most successful public and private elementary, middle and high schools. 

Now in its 37th year, the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program has recognized more than 9,000 schools. On Nov. 14 and 15, the Secretary and the Department of Education will celebrate with 312 public and 50 non-public school honorees at an awards ceremony in Washington, D.C.

Schools are eligible for the award on one of two performance categories, based on all student scores, student subgroup scores and graduation rates. Exemplary High Performing Schools are among the state’s highest performing schools as measured by state assessments or nationally normed tests. Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing Schools are among the state’s highest performing schools in closing achievement gaps between a school’s student groups and all students.

Up to 420 schools may be nominated each year. The Department invites National Blue Ribbon School nominations from the top education official in all states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, the Department of Defense Education Activity, and the Bureau of Indian Education. Private schools are nominated by The Council for American Private Education (CAPE).Click here for more information about the Blue Ribbon Schools.

Click here for more information about the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program.