Nebraska Department of Education recognizes seven schools as 2025 Blue Ribbon Schools

Seven schools in Nebraska have been recognized as Blue Ribbon Schools by the Nebraska Department of Education. This recognition is given to schools that demonstrate strong academic performance or make significant progress in closing achievement gaps among student groups.

Although the U.S. Department of Education has discontinued its National Blue Ribbon Schools program this year, the seven Nebraska schools had already applied and would have met last year’s standards for the award.

The 2025 Blue Ribbon Schools represent a range of educational settings and serve students from various backgrounds. According to the Nebraska Department of Education, these schools are characterized by leadership that promotes instructional excellence and high standards. They employ effective teaching strategies, provide ongoing professional development for staff, and use data-driven instruction to support student success. The department also notes that collaboration among families, communities, and educators is an important factor in their achievements.

"These schools serve as models of effective and innovative practices for educators across the state," according to the Nebraska Department of Education.

Recognition as a Blue Ribbon School is based on student performance data such as assessment results, subgroup performance, and graduation rates. Schools may be recognized in one or both categories related to these criteria.