13 Michigan Schools Named National Blue Ribbon Winners

A total of 13 Michigan schools are among the 342 nationwide to be named National Blue Ribbon Schools for 2017.

The National Blue Ribbon Schools Program honors public and private elementary, middle and high schools where students achieve very high learning standards or are making notable improvements in closing the achievement gap. Schools must meet certain eligibility criteria to be nominated for the designation.

The Michigan schools that made the list are:

• Brewster Elementary School, Rochester Community Schools
• Countryside Elementary, Byron Center Public Schools
• Dix Street Elementary School, Otsego Public Schools
• Forest View Elementary School, Cadillac Area Public Schools
• Gallimore Elementary School, Plymouth-Canton Community School
• Hamlin Elementary School, Rochester Community Schools
• Handley School, Saginaw Public Schools
• Iris Becker Elementary School, Dearborn Public Schools
• John Allen School, Ann Arbor Public Schools
• Lewis Maire Elementary School, Grosse Pointe Public Schools
• Lincoln School, St. Joseph Public Schools
• Pinewood School, Jenison Public Schools
• Rochester Adams High School, Rochester Community Schools

"National Blue Ribbon Schools are active demonstrations of preparing every child for a bright future," U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos said in a press release. "You are visionaries, innovators and leaders. You have much to teach us: some of you personalize student learning, others engage parents and communities in the work and life of your local schools and still others develop strong and forward-thinking leaders from among your teaching staff."

Now in its 35th year, the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program has recognized more than 8,500 schools.

Kara Seymour (Patch Staff) contributed to this report

Photo by Jeff J. Mitchell / Staff / Getty Images News / Getty Images