NEW: Three RI Schools Receive National Blue Ribbon Awards

NEW: Three RI Schools Receive National Blue Ribbon Awards

The U.S. Department of Education has named three Rhode Island schools as National Blue Ribbon Schools for 2015.

Archie R. Cole Middle School in East Greenwich, Francis J. Varieur Elementary School in Pawtucket, and Nayatt School in Barrington received the honor, which is based on overall academic excellence or progress in closing achievement gaps.

“The Blue Ribbon is the highest honor the U.S. Department of Education awards to schools, and the award of Blue Ribbons to three Rhode Island schools shows that our best schools rank among the best in the nation,” said Rhode Island Governor Gina Raimondo on Tuesday. “I know that our teachers across the state are working hard to ensure that our schools provide all Rhode Island students with knowledge and skills they will need for success in school and in challenging careers. Congratulations to the students, families, and educators in our newest Blue Ribbon Schools!”

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National Recognition

The National Blue Ribbon Schools Program honors public and private elementary, middle, and high schools where students either achieve very high learning standards or are making notable improvements in closing the achievement gap. The award plaque affirms the hard work of students, educators, families, and communities in creating safe and welcoming schools where students master challenging content. 

All Blue Ribbon schools are recognized in one of two performance categories, based on all student scores, subgroup student scores, and graduation rates:

·       Exemplary High Performing Schools are among their state’s highest-performing schools as measured by state assessments or nationally normed tests. Student subgroup performance and high-school graduation rates are also at the highest levels.

·       Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing Schools are among their state’s highest-performing schools in closing achievement gaps between a school’s subgroups and all students over the past five years. Student subgroup performance and high-school graduation rates for each subgroup are at high levels.