10 GA Schools Honored Among U.S. Best With 2024 National Blue Ribbons

GEORGIA — Ten Georgia schools received top honors for their academic excellence, being held in high esteem by the 2024 National Blue Ribbon Schools program, U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona recently announced.

National Blue Ribbon, implemented more than 40 years ago, awards several hundred public and private schools for their overall high academic performance, according to the federal education department.

This year, local school officials said 356 schools were recognized, and blue ribbon flags will be handed to the schools for display.

"Achieving this honor means that your schools are raising the bar thanks to your amazing educators and students," Cardona said. "It means that your school is the pride of your community and the model for schools across the nation."

Schools nationwide were recognized on this year's massive list, including 10 from Georgia.

The Georgia schools are:

• Atlanta Academy, Roswell
• Brookwood Elementary School, Snellville
• Craig Elementary School, Lawrenceville
• Feagin Mill Middle School, Warner Robins
• Hull Middle School, Duluth
• Intown Community School, Atlanta
• St. Simons Elementary School, St. Simons Island
• Trip Elementary School, Grayson
• Twin Rivers Middle School, Buford
• Winston Elementary School, Winston

“This recognition is a proud moment for Winston Elementary and a celebration for our entire Douglas County community,” Douglas County School Superintendent Trent North said in a news release. “It is an honor that reflects the dedication of our students, the commitment of our teachers and staff and the support of our parents and community. Our community is incredibly proud of this achievement, and we will continue working with students in Winston and at schools across our school system to achieve the highest standards of academic excellence.”

Heather Georgia, Winston Elementary principal, said the school has long-established its dedication to preparing students for success both inside and outside of the classroom.

Angie Wright, Craig Elementary principal, said the National Blue Ribbon award depicts the hard work, dedication and collaborative efforts of the Gwinnett County school.

“At Craig, we strive to create a learning environment that inspires excellence, and this recognition affirms that our commitment to every child’s success is making a lasting impact," Wright said in a news release. "We are incredibly proud of this achievement and grateful for our community’s unwavering support.”

Trip Elementary Principal Dr. Lesley Hill shared enthusiasm about the Gwinnett school being among the national honorees.

“The staff and students at Trip are thrilled with this award because they see the positive results of their hard work," Hill said. "We’ve shown that not only can Title I students achieve at high levels, but many of our French Dual Language Immersion students are excelling while speaking and writing in French. I couldn’t be prouder. Now, the nation gets a glimpse of the consistent and persistent teaching and learning that happens daily at Trip.”

Since its inception, National Blue Ribbon Schools has given out nearly 10,000 awards to at least 9,000 schools. The education department said schools represent diversity, serving students of various ethnic, social and economic backgrounds.