Three North Dakota schools receive state-level Blue Ribbon honors

Three North Dakota schools have been recognized as Blue Ribbon Schools for their academic performance. State School Superintendent Kirsten Baesler announced that Burlington-Des Lacs Elementary School, Northern Cass Public School, and Schroeder Middle School received the honor. The recognition highlights the achievements of students, teachers, and administrators at these schools.

The Department of Public Instruction nominated these schools for the Blue Ribbon award, which has traditionally been given by the U.S. Department of Education since 1982. However, the federal agency recently informed states it would no longer participate in administering the program. The decision allows state education departments to oversee the process and tailor recognition to local educational priorities.

According to a notice from the U.S. Department of Education: “State leaders are best positioned to recognize excellence in local schools, based on educational achievements that align with their communities’ priorities for academic accomplishment and improvement.”

The notice also encouraged states to honor their 2025 nominees. Baesler said North Dakota is following this guidance by recognizing all three schools as “exemplary high-performing schools” in reading and mathematics.

Baesler acknowledged the effort required for Blue Ribbon consideration: “The teachers and administrators of these schools have done superlative work in bringing up the academic achievement of their students and serving their families and communities,” Baesler said. “It is only right that we celebrate their excellence.”

Burlington-Des Lacs Elementary serves about 415 students from prekindergarten through sixth grade. Northern Cass Public School enrolls 724 students across prekindergarten through twelfth grade. Schroeder Middle School has 570 students in grades six through eight.