Four South Dakota schools were named Blue Ribbon Schools on Monday out of 356 schools to receive the honor nationwide this year.

South Dakota’s winners are Christ the King School in Sioux Falls, Lennox Elementary School, Lincoln Elementary School in Aberdeen and Warner High School.

The award recognizes schools for excellence in overall academic performance or for progress in closing the achievement gap among student subgroups, according to a press release from the South Dakota Department of Education.

2023 winners: 3 South Dakota schools named as Blue Ribbon Schools

This year, Lennox Elementary, Christ the King Elementary and Warner High School were honored for their high scores in English and mathematics, while Lincoln Elementary was recognized for its progress in closing the achievement gap among student subgroups.

Why were each of the schools recognized?

Christ the King Elementary used data to target learning priorities and combined that with small-group instruction to meet the needs of each student. The Blue Ribbon designation is the highest honor a school can receive from the USDOE, according to a press release from Bishop O’Gorman Catholic Schools announcing Christ the King Elementary School’s award.

Christ the King Elementary School Principal Julie Kolbeck said in a release that she was excited on behalf of the school, and added that the school will have a celebration Oct. 22.

“Being recognized as a National Blue Ribbon School is a great honor,” Kolbeck said. “It affirms the hard work and dedication of all our students, faculty and parents here at Christ the King Elementary.”

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Lennox Elementary used a data-centered approach, according to a release from the SDDOE. Data from various assessments gives teachers an individualized profile of each student, allowing them to curate learning experiences to target deficiencies and build on established knowledge.

Lennox Elementary School Principal Cody Lutes said the school is very excited and honored to receive the award. He added the school will be recognized at the Teacher of the Year banquet on Thursday in Pierre, and will receive an award in early November in Washington D.C.

“I look forward to sharing this great accomplishment with our staff and community over the year,” Lutes said. “Our staff works hard every day to give students the best education. Our students and families are amazing. Without the students’ hard work, this would not have been possible. I am very proud of them all.”

Lincoln Elementary has instituted math and reading interventions, allowing students to acquire fundamental skills. The school also has a dedicated STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and math) program, which provides hands-on, project-based learning for all students.

Warner High School has a traditional approach to education, according to a release from the SDDOE, adding that “academic offerings are bound to fundamental subjects, which are taught and reinforced by experienced staff who are resolute in their high expectations for all students.”

What are education leaders saying?

SDDOE Secretary Joe Graves said in a release that the schools’ work is a “testament to talented teachers and staff, students who work hard to achieve their potential, and dedicated leadership.”

2021 winners: These four South Dakota schools were named as a National Blue Ribbon School for 2021

U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona said in a release that the National Blue Ribbon Schools Award is a testament to the “exceptional achievements of students and educators at each of these schools.”

“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,” Cardona said. “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.”