Colonial Named A National Blue Ribbon School

from the Pelham school district

The Pelham Public Schools is thrilled to announce that Colonial School has been selected as
one of just 353 schools across the nation named as a National Blue Ribbon School for 2023 by
the U.S. Department of Education.The Blue Ribbon School recognition is based on a school’s
overall academic performance or progress in closing achievement gaps among student groups
on assessments.

“The honorees for our 2023 National Blue Ribbon Schools Award have set a national example
for what it means to Raise the Bar in education,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel
Cardona. “The leaders, educators, and staff at our National Blue Ribbon Schools continually
inspire me with their dedication to fostering academic excellence and building positive school
cultures that support students of all backgrounds to thrive academically, socially, and
Emotionally.”

Colonial School earned recognition in the Exemplary High-Performing Schools category as one
of New York State’s highest performing schools as measured by state assessments or national
normed tests.

“I was elated to learn that Colonial School was one of the very few across the country to receive
recognition as a Blue Ribbon School,” said Dr. Cheryl H. Champ, Superintendent of Schools.
“This accomplishment is a testament to the culture of academic excellence that has been a
hallmark of Colonial School and our District as a whole. I want to congratulate Principal Garcia,
our amazing faculty and staff, our curricular and administrative team and most importantly, the
students of Colonial School on this well-deserved award.”

“I am so proud of our entire school community for earning this tremendous honor,” added
Rachael Garcia, Principal of Colonial School. “To be recognized as one of just a small handful
of schools across our country is truly special. Our students and staff work incredibly hard each
and every day; to see that hard work and dedication pay off in this way is truly rewarding. We
are also fortunate to have a tremendous support staff, world class administrators, amazing
parents and a supportive community, all of whom contributed to achieving this great honor.”

Up to 420 schools may be nominated each year for National Blue Ribbon recognition.
Nominated schools must complete an extensive narrative application describing their school
culture and philosophy, curriculum, assessments, instructional practices, professional
development, leadership structures, and parent and community involvement.

The U.S. Education Department invites nominations for the National Blue Ribbon Schools
award from the top education officials in all states, the District of Columbia, U.S. territories, the
Department of Defense Education Activity, and the Bureau of Indian Education. Private schools
are nominated by the Council for American Private Education.