All 26 Texas schools nominate nominated for Blue Ribbon Honors receive recognition

All 26 schools nominated by the Texas Education Agency have received 2020 National Blue Ribbon Honors from the U.S. Department of Education based on their high student achievement or exemplary progress in closing achievement gaps.

Nominations for the National Blue Ribbon Honors program for Texas public schools involves evaluating improvements based on the annual STAAR assessments, according to a news release from the Texas Education Agency. Each of the Texas Blue Ribbon schools that was nominated and received the award this year has an economically-disadvantaged population of at least 39%. 

“There are amazing things happening on these campuses each and every day, and this National Blue Ribbon designation further validates that,” Mike Morath, Texas Education commissioner, was quoted as saying in the release. “I’d like to thank the students on these campuses for making learning a top priority and thank the educators and staff members that work tirelessly to mold young minds into the next generation of successful citizens.”  

Since 1982 when the program was founded, approximately 9,000 schools have received the National Blue Ribbon Honors, according to the release. 

The National Blue Ribbon program is open to schools at all levels from elementary through high school, and both private and public institutions are eligible for recognition, according to the release.

Texas schools recognized for exemplary achievements in performance included Early College High School, Windsor Park G/T Elementary, Early Childhood Development Center, Henry W. Longfellow Career Exploration Academy, Dr. Wright L. Lassiter Jr. Early College High School, Maude Mae Kirchner Elementary, Transmountain Early College High School, Texas Academy of Biomedical Sciences, High School for Law and Justice, Young Women's College Preparatory Academy, Heights Elementary, Langham Elementary, and Windthorst Elementary.

Texas school recognized for exemplary performance in closing achievement gaps included Alvarado El-South, Reilly Elementary School, Edward Titche Elementary School, Milam Elementary School, Hobbs Williams Elementary, Memorial Elementary, West Main Elementary School, John Z. Leyendecker Elementary School, Kelly-Pharr Elementary, Redwater Junior High School, Dr. Edward Roberson Middle School, Vista Academy of Austin-Mueller, Desertaire Elementary School.