6 Tennessee schools earn 2023 National Blue Ribbon awards

Six Tennessee public schools made the prestigious 2023 National Blue Ribbon Schools list released this week.

Given by the U.S. Department of Education, the awards are based on either exemplary overall academic performance or progress in closing test score achievement gaps between student subgroups. The department considers all student scores, subgroup student scores and graduation rates.

In Tennessee, Black and Hispanic students have long lagged behind their peers on state assessments, along with students with disabilities and those who are facing economic disadvantages or still learning English.

“National Blue Ribbon Schools represent the full diversity of American schools and serve students of every background,” a news release from the Education Department said.

A total of 353 schools made the list this year. Here are the six Tennessee schools awarded Blue Ribbon status:

• Brentwood Middle School, Williamson County Schools (Brentwood).
• Crosswind Elementary School, Collierville Schools (Collierville).
• Fairmont Elementary School, Johnson City Schools (Johnson City).
• Linden Elementary School, Oak Ridge Schools (Oak Ridge).
• Middle College at Austin Peay State University, Clarksville-Montgomery County Schools (Clarksville).
• Nolan Elementary School, Hamilton County Schools (Signal Mountain).

U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona said this year’s Blue Ribbon schools set the example for what it means to “raise the bar” in education nationwide.

“The leaders, educators, and staff at our National Blue Ribbon Schools continually inspire me with their dedication to fostering academic excellence and building positive school cultures that support students of all backgrounds to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally,” Cardona said in the release.

Along with diversity and academic performance, the schools also exemplify high standards, a vision for excellence, effective and innovative teaching methods and support for their teachers and staff, per the release. The awardees will be given a National Blue Ribbon School flag to place at their entrance or on a flagpole.