Five North Carolina public schools today were named 2014 National Blue Ribbon Schools by U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan. These schools are among 287 public and 50 private schools where students either achieve very high learning standards or are making notable improvements in closing the achievement gap.
North Carolina public schools receiving this prestigious recognition are:
- Briarcliff Elementary, Wake County Public Schools;
- Caldwell Early College, Caldwell County Schools;
- Raleigh Charter, Wake County;
- Shoals Elementary, Surry County Schools; and
- West Elementary, Cleveland County Schools.
“These great schools are fulfilling the promise of American education—that all students, no matter their name or zip code, can flourish when schools provide safe, creative and challenging learning environments,” Secretary Duncan said. “National Blue Ribbon Schools are models of consistent excellence and a resource for other schools and districts. We celebrate them for their tireless effort and boundless creativity in reaching and teaching every student.”
For the past 32 years, this prestigious award has been bestowed to just under 7,900 of the nation’s most successful schools. Schools selected model excellence in leadership, teaching, curriculum, student achievement and parental involvement.
State education departments nominate public schools that meet the rigorous criteria for consideration. Once all nominations are received, the U.S. Secretary of Education invites the nominated schools to submit applications for possible recognition as a National Blue Ribbon School.
Representatives from each of these schools will be honored at a conference and awards ceremony to be held Nov. 10-11 in Washington, DC. They will receive a plaque and a flag signifying their National Blue Ribbon School status.
