On Monday, the U.S. Department of Education announced that five schools in Alabama have been honored as 2024 National Blue Ribbon Schools.
The U.S. Department of Education has recognized the schools for their exceptional academic performance or for making significant strides in closing achievement gaps. Being awarded the Blue Ribbon is a prestigious honor, as it is the highest national recognition bestowed upon a school.
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- EPIC Alternative Elementary School, Birmingham City.
- East Elementary School, Cullman City.
- Carver School of Mathematics, Science, and Technology, Dothan City.
- Crestline Elementary School, Hartselle City.
- Brookwood Forest Elementary School, Mountain Brook City.
EPIC Elementary, a competitive specialty school in Birmingham, Crestline Elementary in Hartselle, and Carver magnet school in Dothan all fall under the category of Title I schools. This designation is given to schools where more than 40% of the students come from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
At Carver, students have the opportunity to explore a wide range of interests and make meaningful contributions to society. The school offers a diverse selection of courses, including subjects like embryology and LEGO engineering. Similarly, at EPIC, students actively participate in various community service projects, including designing tornado aid efforts. These schools prioritize creating a safe and nurturing environment where students can thrive and engage in meaningful learning experiences.
“The 2024 National Blue Ribbon Schools are setting a higher standard for students across the nation. They serve as shining examples of effective teaching and collaborative efforts within their schools and communities,” stated U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona in a recent news release. He added, “As we recognize their accomplishments, let us draw inspiration from these schools as we continue to prioritize education as the fundamental building block for a brighter future for every child.”
Schools that have been nominated are required to submit a detailed application that provides information about various aspects of their educational institution. This application includes a description of the school’s culture and philosophy, curriculum, assessments, instructional practices, professional development opportunities, leadership structures, and the level of involvement from parents and the community.
Student and subpopulation scores in state or nationally normed assessments, as well as graduation rates, determine the awards they receive.
All schools in Alabama that received recognition were classified as “Exemplary High Performing.” This designation is given to schools that have achieved exceptionally high test scores compared to other schools in the state.
A total of 316 public schools and 40 non-public schools were among the recipients of this year’s national awards.
