Thirteen Schools Across Pennsylvania Commended for Academic Excellence and Closing Achievement Gaps
Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) congratulated 13 schools in the Commonwealth that have been selected as National Blue Ribbon Schools by the U.S. Department of Education (USDE). This award is based on each school’s overall academic performance, or the progress made to close the achievement gap among students.
“Pennsylvania’s National Blue Ribbon Schools represent the best and brightest in providing a world-class education to their students, creating exceptional learning opportunities, and closing achievement gaps,” said Pennsylvania Secretary of Education Dr. Khalid N. Mumin. “The Shapiro Administration is committed to ensuring that all Pennsylvania learners, no matter which city or town they call home, can access an excellent education, and these distinguished schools serve as models in our Commonwealth’s large and diverse public education system.”
The Pennsylvania schools named as National Blue Ribbon Schools were:
- Economy Elementary School, Ambridge Area School District, Beaver County
- Marlborough Elementary School, Upper Perkiomen School District, Montgomery County
- West Hanover Elementary School, Central Dauphin School District, Dauphin County
- Richland Elementary School, Richland School District, Cambria County
- Mercer Area High School, Mercer Area School District, Mercer County
- Central High School, Philadelphia City School District, Philadelphia County
- Holy Family School, Archdiocese of Philadelphia, Chester County
- Dorseyville Middle School, Fox Chapel Area School District, Allegheny County
- Connoquenessing Elementary School, Butler Area School District, Butler County
- Saltsburg Elementary School, River Valley School District, Indiana County
- Quaker Valley Middle School, Quaker Valley School District, Allegheny County
- Springfield High School, Springfield School District, Delaware County
- Oakview Elementary School, Lakeview School District, Mercer County
Across the country, 356 schools were named 2024 Blue Ribbon Schools.
“The National Blue Ribbon Schools Award is a testament to the exceptional achievements of students and educators at each of these schools,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona. “The 2024 National Blue Ribbon Schools are raising the bar for our nation’s students, serving as models for effective teaching and intentional collaboration in their schools and communities. As we celebrate their achievements, let us look to these schools for inspiration as we champion education as the foundation of a brighter future for every child.”
The National Blue Ribbon Schools Program recognizes efforts made by schools to create safe and welcoming spaces where students can master challenging and engaging content. Schools are recognized in both or either of two performance categories: Exemplary High Performing Schools—the top performers in their state as measured by state assessments or nationally normed tests; and/or Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing Schools—those that excel in narrowing achievement gaps between different student groups and the overall student body.
For more information on the Pennsylvania Department of Education, please visit the Department of Education website or follow PDE on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, or Pinterest.
