National Award Won By Perry Hall School Is 'Testament To The Educators'

PERRY HALL, MD — Perry Hall's Chapel Hill Elementary School, the latest National Blue Ribbon School in Baltimore County, held a ceremony Friday to celebrate earning one of the country's highest awards for academic achievement.

The U.S. Department of Education bestowed the honor upon Chapel Hill last September, recognizing the school in the "Exemplary High Performing" category. Last week's event unveiled the Education Department's National Blue Ribbon School plaque affixed to the front of the school building.

"Fifteen years ago, and long before joining the Board, I became a Chapel Hill parent," District 5 School Board Member Julie Henn said on Facebook. "Those in the school community have always known what a special place it is. I could not be happier for the students, administrators, teachers, and staff to receive national recognition for their hard work and dedication. We are all so proud."

Public schools can achieve Blue Ribbon status by excelling on state assessments or showing a well-rounded academic profile that exhibits growth and closing achievement gaps.

During the 2022-23 school year, Chapel Hill Elementary was ranked the third-highest performing elementary school in Baltimore County and the fourth-highest performing in Maryland

"Achieving Blue Ribbon status is extraordinarily difficult and a testament to the educators, students, and parents of any school," District 5 Council Member David Marks said on Facebook. "As a former student who was enrolled here from first to fifth grades, it was particularly satisfying to join everyone at this ceremony."

Chapel Hill is the 24th Baltimore County Public School to earn a Blue Ribbon since 1994. It's Baltimore County's first winner since Jacksonville Elementary School was honored in 2020.

"We are proud to celebrate excellence right here in Perry Hall," District 7A Del. Ryan Nawrocki said on Facebook. "Achieving Blue Ribbon status is no easy feat, it’s a testament to the hard work, dedication, and partnership of the educators, students, and parents who make this school so special. Congratulations to the entire Chapel Hill community on this well-deserved honor! Your commitment to academic excellence makes all of Perry Hall proud."

Last year, the Blue Ribbon was given to 356 public and non-public schools nationwide. Ten Maryland schools earned a Blue Ribbon in 2024.

"Congratulations to the students, staff, parents, and community that support Chapel Hill Elementary School for achieving this prestigious honor," BCPS Superintendent Myriam Rogers said in a September press release. "Being named a National Blue Ribbon School is recognition of the hard work and focus that goes into creating, realizing, and sustaining standards of excellence, rigor, and academic achievement. Chapel Hill is most deserving of this highest of educational distinctions."

Chapel Hill Principal Nancy Hill said the school is honored to be recognized.

"A huge, heartfelt thank you to our fabulous teachers, staff, students, and parents for your hard work, dedication, and living our philosophy – 'Every student, every classroom, every day! 100%,'" Hill said in the release. "Thank you to our executive directors and to Dr. Rogers for their unwavering support and belief in our school community."