Melrose's Lincoln Elementary Named National Blue Ribbon School

Lincoln Elementary School in Melrose has been named a 2015 National Blue Ribbon School — the pinnacle of national awards for schools.

The award is a recognition of the school’s overall academic excellence, progress in closing achievement gaps among student subgroups and the “exemplary teaching and learning,” according to a U.S. Department of Education news release.

Lincoln Elementary is a K-5 school, serving about 400 students across 19 classrooms. Lincoln prides itself on a diverse student body, which includes students from many countries, who speak over 17 languages.

Lincoln’s school-wide positive behavior support system provides a successful learning environment for all students. The C.A.R.E.S. acronym, which is prominently displayed throughout the building, reminds students of the expected school values: Citizenship, Acceptance Respect, Effort and Safety.

“This honor recognizes your students’ accomplishments and the hard work and dedication that went into their success,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan in a video message to the awardees. “Your journey has taught you collaboration, intentional instruction, and strong relationships in school and with your community. You represent excellence—in vision, in implementation, and in results—and we want to learn as much as we can from you.”

A total of 285 public and 50 private schools will be recognized at a ceremony this November in Washington, D.C.

In its 33-year history, the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program has bestowed this coveted award on more than 8,000 of America’s schools.