Five public schools and one private school in North Carolina were recently named National Blue Ribbon Schools for 2024 by U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona, in recognition of their overall academic performance or progress in closing achievement gaps.

There were 356 schools across the country that received the award this year — including 316 public schools and 50 non-public schools.

“This prestigious recognition highlights schools that excel in academic performance,” the U.S. Department of Education’s (DOE) website says. “These schools demonstrate what is possible to make an enduring, positive difference in students’ lives.”

Here are the North Carolina public schools recognized this year:

• Martin L. Nesbitt, Jr. Discovery Academy, Buncombe County Schools
• Hope Middle School, Pitt County Schools
• McDowell Early College, McDowell County Schools
• Willow Springs Elementary School, Wake County Public School System
• Rock Ridge Elementary School, Wilson County Schools

“I’m so proud to see these schools recognized for their incredible accomplishments and dedication to their students,” state Superintendent Catherine Truitt said in a press release. “Their entire school communities — including educators, students, parents and members of the community — illustrate the amazing things happening in North Carolina’s public schools, ultimately leading the way toward stronger schools across our state and even better outcomes for students.”

Immaculata Catholic School, in Raleigh, also received the award.

History of the award

Since 1982, the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program has granted approximately 10,000 awards to more than 9,000 schools across the country — including all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, the Department of Defense Education Activity, and the Bureau of Indian Education. Up to 420 schools may be nominated each year.

In North Carolina, a total of 143 public schools have been recognized as Blue Ribbon schools since the program’s inception, according to the Department of Public Instruction (DPI).

All Blue Ribbon schools are honored based on all student scores, subgroup student scores, and graduation rates, and can receive their award based on one or both of the following categories:

• Exemplary High Performing Schools: These schools are among the top performers in their state as measured by state assessments or nationally normed tests.
• Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing Schools: These schools excel in narrowing achievement gaps between different student groups and the overall student body.

“…The U.S. Department of Education has sought out and highlighted schools that are demonstrating that all students can achieve to high levels,” the DOE’s website says. “The coveted National Blue Ribbon School award affirms the hard work of students, educators, families, and communities that are creating safe and welcoming schools where students master challenging and engaging content.”

Nominated schools must submit an application including information about school culture, program, assessments, instructional practices, professional development, leadership, family, and community involvement.

According to the DOE, Blue Ribbon Schools share several common traits: visionary leadership, effective teaching methods, robust professional development, data-driven instruction, collaboration with families and communities, and a focus on success for all students.

This year, the majority of public and private school recipients were elementary schools, at 65% and 75%, respectively.

Among public schools, more than half of winners (56%) have student populations where 40% or more are identified as disadvantaged, and 45% of schools receive Title I funding.

Four out of 10 public school winners are suburban, followed by urban (31%), and rural schools (28%).

“The National Blue Ribbon Schools Award is a testament to the exceptional achievements of students and educators at each of these schools,” Cardona said. “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.”

Highlights from public school winners

The DOE’s award list includes photos and information on each Blue Ribbon school. Here’s a look at the five public school winners.

Hope Middle School

Hope Middle School is located in Greenville and serves sixth through eighth grade students.

Hope Middle School is a traditional 6th-8th grade school serving students in rural-suburban community. The most notable strength of Hope is the relationships built between school and community, in particular those relationships built between students and staff.

…Our school operates under three guiding principles: Students first, always; Relationships Matter; and Inclusion Counts. All decisions are student-centered. We value relationships with our students and their families, and strive to make the transition to middle school welcoming with clear expectations. We value the contributions of every student, staff. and community member. We strive to normalize the acceptance and understanding of others, regardless of background, abilities, and skills.

Winner page for Hope Middle School

Martin L. Nesbitt, Jr. Discovery Academy

Martin L. Nesbitt, Jr. Discovery Academy is a Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) high school located in Asheville.

Martin L. Nesbitt, Jr. Discovery Academy (MLNJDA) is a public STEM-focused high school for grades 9-12 in Buncombe County, North Carolina. Our school has high expectations for faculty and students, accepting one hundred new ninth-grade students each year from within the six-county school districts. MLNJDA serves a diverse community of students from professional, high-tech, blue-collar, and farming backgrounds with a mission of preparing students for their tomorrow.

…MLNJDA provides a unique, rigorous educational experience to prepare students for college and STEM-related careers. Our curriculum emphasizes problem-solving, creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration, focusing on real-world applications through PLTW courses. Students can take advanced placement, college, and honors-level classes and dual-enrollment courses through partnerships with local community colleges and virtual schools. Students also have opportunities to visit and collaborate with businesses throughout Western NC.

Winner page for Discovery Academy

McDowell Early College

McDowell Early College is located in Marion.

McDowell Early College (MEC), located on the McDowell Technical Community College Campus, gives high school students a unique opportunity to earn an associate’s degree while also earning their high school diploma. MEC is committed to empowering our students so they embrace learning opportunities, preparing themselves for college, career, and life in the 21st century.  We provide a supportive, dynamic learning environment which encourages students to reach their full potential, pursue their passions, and make meaningful contributions.

MEC bridges educational gaps through targeted academic support and focuses on equipping first-generation college students with the necessary skills to be successful. …Intentional connections, strong relationships, and personalized instruction are key to the success of McDowell Early College. We support each other and refer to our school as Family. We believe in the power of each other.

Winner page for McDowell Early College

Rock Ridge Elementary School

Rock Ridge Elementary School is located in Wilson.

Rock Ridge Elementary is located in the heart of a rural agricultural community, where it has served as a cornerstone of education for multiple generations. High expectations are essential for all stakeholders at Rock Ridge Elementary. By leveraging our strong community ties that assist in creating a supportive, challenging environment that propels student achievement, we are able to focus on the development of students who are ready for the future in an ever changing world.

We firmly believe in the potential of every student to learn and grow, which drives our educational approach and helps cultivate our school culture. …Rock Ridge Elementary prides itself on building meaningful connections with students’ families and community members. The enthusiasm for our school is contagious, with students and families eagerly participating in daily activities and special events. Our diverse array of engagement opportunities draw exceptional attendance and participation rates, which serves as a testament to our commitment to fostering a vibrant, inclusive, and supportive community.

Winner page for Rock Ridge Elementary School

Willow Springs Elementary School

Willow Springs Elementary is located in Willow Springs.

At Willow Springs Elementary, we strive daily to ensure that every child loves learning and coming to The Willow. As a year-round school, our students break for three weeks every quarter, so there is constant learning and no need for review. Over the short breaks, both students and staff have time to renew and return refreshed and ready for more learning.

…Our success is deeply rooted in our unwavering commitment to student-centered learning, consistently guided by the question, “What is best for this child?” Teachers recognize that genuine growth starts with a profound understanding of each student’s unique journey, and they prioritize building meaningful relationships with their students. They aim to understand what motivates each child, identify potential obstacles to learning, and support each individual. We work to ensure that WSES is highly engaging, collaborative, and fun, sparking a love for learning that will last.

Winner page for Willow Springs Elementary School