4 Florida Schools Among 2016 National Blue Ribbon Winners

ST. PETERSBURG, FL — Four schools in Florida have been named 2016 National Blue Ribbon Schools by the U.S. Department of Education. The list includes two schools in the Tampa Bay area.

Nationally, 329 public and private elementary, middle and high schools were selected based on overall academic excellence or progress in closing achievement gaps, the Department of Education said.

Of the 329 schools selected, 279 are public and 50 are private. All schools, including the Florida winners, will be recognized at an awards ceremony in Washington, D.C., Nov. 7-8.

National Blue Ribbon Schools are an "inspiration and a model," the Department of Education said in announcing the selected schools.

"National Blue Ribbon Schools are proof that we can prepare every child for college and meaningful careers," U.S. Secretary of Education John B. King Jr. said in a video message to honorees. "Your schools are on the cutting edge, pioneering innovative educational practices—professional learning communities, project-based learning, social and emotional learning, positive behavior systems—making you shining examples for your communities, your state and the nation."

According to the Department of Education, the award "affirms the hard work of students, educators, families, and communities in creating safe and welcoming schools where students master challenging content. The National Blue Ribbon Schools flag gracing a school's building is a widely recognized symbol of exemplary teaching and learning."

Schools are recognized based on student test scores and graduation rates in two categories: Exemplary High Performing Schools and Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing Schools.

Florida’s 2016 National Blue Ribbon schools are:

• Northside Christian Elementary School, St. Petersburg
• State College of Florida Collegiate School, Bradenton
• Somerset Arts Conservatory School, Pembroke Pines
• Design and Architecture Senior High School, Miami

In August, Newsweek released its list of the top high schools across the country. Ten Florida schoolswere recognized in that ranking.

Image via Shutterstock

With reporting by Patch editor Greg Hambrick