7 MN Schools Earn Prestigious Federal Blue Ribbon Award

ST. PAUL, MN — U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona on Monday announced 356 schools as the 2024 National Blue Ribbon Schools cohort, including seven from Minnesota.

The prestigious recognition highlights schools that either excel in academic performance or make significant strides in closing achievement gaps among different student groups:

• Exemplary High Performing Schools

These schools are among the top performers in their state as measured by state assessments or nationally normed tests.

• Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing Schools

These schools excel in narrowing achievement gaps between different student groups and the overall student body.

"The National Blue Ribbon Schools Award is a testament to the exceptional achievements of students and educators at each of these schools," said U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona.

"The 2024 National Blue Ribbon Schools are raising the bar for our nation’s students, serving as models for effective teaching and intentional collaboration in their schools and communities."

Find the seven 2024 Blue Ribbon winners in Minnesota below:

Caledonia High School (Caledonia, MN)

• Nomination category: Exemplary High Performing Schools
• Total number of students: 284

Chippewa Middle School (North Oaks, MN)

• Nomination category: Exemplary High Performing Schools
• Total number of students: 1081

Franklin Elementary School (Mankato, MN)

• Nomination category: HP and GAP
• Total number of students: 432

Hills-Beaver Creek Secondary School (Hills, MN)

• Nomination category: Exemplary High Performing Schools
• Total number of students: 199

James Knoll Elementary School (Ortonville, MN)

• Nomination category: Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing Schools
• Total number of students: 328

Oakwood Elementary School (Plymouth, MN)

• Nomination category: HP and GAP
• Total number of students: 443

Pioneer Elementary School (Pierz, MN)

• Nomination category: Exemplary High Performing Schools
• Total number of students: 640

Learn more about the award here.