Commissioner of Education Angélica Infante-Green | Rhode Island Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
Governor Dan McKee, Commissioner Angélica Infante-Green, and the Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE) have announced the launch of the State of Rhode Island Blue Ribbon Schools Awards Program. The program recognizes three schools as 2025 awardees: Melville Elementary School in Portsmouth, Pocasset Elementary School in Tiverton, and Robert L. Bailey, IV Elementary School in Providence.
The announcement follows the recent termination of the National Blue Ribbon program by the Federal Department of Education, which had been in place since 1982. Despite this change, Rhode Island officials decided to continue honoring schools at the state level using criteria previously established by the federal government. Melville Elementary was named an Exemplary High Performing School, while Pocasset Elementary and Bailey Elementary were recognized as Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing Schools.
“Each of these schools represents the best of Rhode Island and I’m proud to be honoring them at the state level,” said Governor Dan McKee. “The strides these school communities have made are not by luck but rather by hard work and dedication. Congratulations to the students, families, and teachers who made this achievement possible.”
The three schools had been nominated for national recognition earlier in the year and were awaiting official acknowledgment from federal authorities before the program was discontinued.
“While we are deeply disappointed by the federal government’s unexpected cancellation of the Blue Ribbon program, we remain committed to celebrating the achievements of Rhode Island’s exceptional schools,” said Commissioner Angélica Infante-Green. “Melville Elementary School, Pocasset Elementary School, Robert L. Bailey, IV Elementary School exemplify excellence in teaching and learning and their student and teachers deserve this honor.”
According to RIDE, Exemplary High-Performing Schools are those with top performance on state assessments or nationally normed tests. Exemplary Achievement Gap-Closing Schools are recognized for making significant progress in closing achievement gaps among student groups.
Rhode Island Education Chair Michael Grey stated: “Blue Ribbon Schools represent the best of our state education system on the national stage, and we want to ensure they are applauded for their tireless work. I join leaders from across the Ocean State in saluting this year’s winners for their unwavering commitment to academic excellence.”
Council on Elementary and Secondary Education Chair Patti DiCenso added: “As we continue to promote greater academic achievement, it’s important we take time to honor the school communities that serve as inspiring examples of what is possible. The Council on Elementary and Secondary Education is pleased to join the chorus of Rhode Islanders congratulating this year’s three Blue Ribbon Schools.”
Superintendent Dr. Javier Montañez commented on Bailey Elementary's recognition: “I join students, parents, educators, and community partners in congratulating the entire Bailey Elementary School community on their recognition as a Rhode Island Blue Ribbon School. We are excited to celebrate our second Blue Ribbon School under the Providence Turnaround Plan, reflecting our collective commitment to ensuring excellence in learning in every classroom. This is yet another sign of the strong momentum our school community has built over the last few years.”
Principal Alicia Jones from Bailey noted: “The entire Bailey school community is overjoyed to be recognized for our commitment to opening doors of opportunity for every student. We believe in the limitless potential of every child, and that belief drives our work to close achievement gaps and ensure equitable outcomes. Being named a Blue Ribbon School, only the second elementary school in PPSD’s history, is a powerful affirmation of our collective efforts.”
Tiverton Superintendent Christopher Haskins congratulated Pocasset Elementary: “Congratulations to the Pocasset Elementary School and greater Tiverton community for earning the well-deserved Blue Ribbon School award. Pocasset's exemplary performance is the result of excellent teaching, strong student effort, responsive leadership, and supportive families. We are proud to share in this enormous honor of your accomplishments.”
Pocasset Principal Amy Donnelly-Roche stated: “Our school is a place where standards are kept high, children are celebrated, community is crafted and built, educators care deeply and craft instruction well, and everyone bands together to ensure students have what they need to thrive. We are proud of Pocasset being recognized with this honor!”
Melville Principal Danielle Laurie said: "The Melville Elementary community is proud to be recognized as an Exemplary High Performing School. This Blue Ribbon honor reflects our students’ academic excellence, the dedication of our teachers, and the strength of a community united in a commitment to doing what is best for our students."
Portsmouth Superintendent Elizabeth Viveiros added: "The Portsmouth Community is so proud of Melville School for receiving a National Blue Ribbon as recognition of its exemplary high performance. The resilience of our students, the dedication of our leadership and staff, and the support of our families and community have made our district's goal of ‘charting our course to excellence’ a reality. Amazing job, Melville!"
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