8 MN Schools Awarded Prestigious 'Blue Ribbon'

MINNEAPOLIS — A total of 297 schools were awarded the National Blue Ribbon for 2022 last month, including eight in Minnesota.

Blue Ribbons are awarded to schools based on one of two reasons:

• Awarded for being a "high-performing" school
  • These schools are among their state’s highest-performing schools, according to state assessments and national tests.
• Awarded for being an "achievement gap-closing" school
  • These schools are among their state’s highest-performing schools in closing achievement gaps between student groups.

"While these Minnesota schools are geographically diverse, they all share core elements of effective schools," Dr. Heather Mueller, Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Education, said in a news release.

"I sincerely congratulate these schools and thank the students, their educators, staff and leaders for serving as examples for all schools in Minnesota."

These Minnesota schools were named National Blue Ribbon Schools for 2022:

• Bloomington – Seven Hills Preparatory Academy
  • Awarded "Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing Schools"
• Brainerd – Lowell Elementary School, Brainerd Public School District
  • Awarded "Exemplary High Performing Schools"
• Cloquet – Churchill Elementary School, Cloquet Public School District
  • Awarded "Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing Schools"
• Good Thunder – Maple River West Elementary School, Maple River School District
  • Awarded "Exemplary High Performing Schools"
• Plymouth – Kimberly Lane Elementary School, Wayzata Public School District
  • Awarded "Exemplary High Performing Schools"
• Rochester – Lincoln K-8 School, Rochester Public School District
  • Awarded "Exemplary High Performing Schools"
• Springfield – Springfield Elementary School, Springfield School District
  • Awarded "Exemplary High Performing Schools"
• Woodbury – Lake Middle School, South Washington County School District
  • Awarded "Exemplary High Performing Schools"

"I applaud all the honorees for the 2022 National Blue Ribbon Schools Award for creating vibrant, welcoming, and affirming school communities where students can learn, grow, reach their potential, and achieve their dreams," said U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona.

"As our country continues to recover from the pandemic, we know that our future will only be as strong as the education we provide to all of our children. Blue Ribbon Schools have gone above and beyond to keep students healthy and safe while meeting their academic, social, emotional, and mental health needs. These schools show what is possible to make an enduring, positive difference in students’ lives."

Learn more about the Blue Ribbon award here.