These MI Schools Were Named Blue Ribbon Schools

Sixteen Michigan schools are being recognized as Blue Ribbon Schools by the Michigan Department of Education.

Although the federal government discontinued the National Blue Ribbon Schools program, Michigan education officials say they still want to honor schools for their achievements.

"Students and parents, school staff, and local communities deserve to be honored for the outstanding achievement by our Blue Ribbon Schools," said Interim State Superintendent Dr. Sue C. Carnell. "These schools serve as an example to others and, at the same time, are representative of the accomplishments and progress at schools around the state."

The department on Thursday nominated these 13 high-performing public schools:

• Amerman Elementary School, Northville, Northville Public Schools
• Angell School, Ann Arbor, Ann Arbor Public Schools
• City High Middle School, Grand Rapids, Grand Rapids Public Schools
• Countryside Elementary School, Byron Center, Byron Center Public Schools
• Forest Grove Elementary School, Hudsonville, Hudsonville Public Schools
• Hamilton Elementary School, Hamilton, Hamilton Community Schools
• Jeffers Elementary School, Spring Lake, Spring Lake Public Schools
• Lakewood Elementary School, Holland, West Ottawa Public Schools
• Novi Woods Elementary School, Novi, Novi Community School District
• Orchard Primary School, Almont, Almont Community Schools
• Plymouth Scholars Charter Academy, Plymouth
• Wass Elementary School, Troy, Troy School District
• Weidman Elementary School, Weidman, Chippewa Hills School District

Additionally, the Council for American Private Education nominated three Michigan private schools:

• Grand Rapids: St. Paul the Apostle School
• Canton: All Saints Catholic School
• Madison Heights: Bishop Foley Catholic High School

Each school will be honored at the Michigan Board of Education’s Nov. 13 meeting.

In previous years, the U.S. Department of Education bestowed the prestigious National Blue Ribbon Schools to schools that excelled in academic performance or made significant strides in closing achievement gaps among different student groups. However, this year the federal education department discontinued the national program after the nominations had been submitted.

"MDE and the State Board of Education want to make sure these outstanding schools in our state get the recognition they deserve," said board President Dr. Pamela Pugh. "These Michigan schools are worthy of national attention, so it is very disappointing that Blue Ribbon Schools no longer will be honored by the U.S. Department of Education. State board members are looking forward to learning more about the successes of these schools."