Prince William County School, Clifton School Earn Prestigious Blue Ribbon Award

PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY— U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona on Monday announced 356 schools as the 2024 National Blue Ribbon Schools cohort, including one from Prince William County and a Catholic school in Clifton.

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 are considered top performers in their state as measured by state assessments or nationally normed tests, according to the Department of Education. Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing Schools have seen success in lessening 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 in a statement. "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."

The top education official from each state, D.C. and territories can nominate schools for the Blue Ribbon Schools recognition. The Council for American Private Education nominates private schools. The Department of Education looks at student performance data like assessment results, student subgroup performance and graduation rates when considering nominees.

T. Clay Wood Elementary in Nokesville, part of Prince William County Public Schools, is one of eight schools in Virginia recognized in 2024.

"We are incredibly honored to receive this award for exemplary academic achievement. It is a testament to the dedication and hard work of our students, teachers, staff, and families as a community of leaders and learners achieving excellence," said Andrew Buchheit, principal of T. Clay Wood Elementary. "This recognition reflects our commitment to fostering a culture of excellence, growth, and innovation in education to ensure all students are learning to their fullest potential."

Just outside Prince William County, Saint Andrew the Apostle Catholic School in Clifton was the only Catholic school in Virginia and only one of 40 non-public schools recognized nationally. The school was recognized in the Exemplary High Performing Schools category.

"This recognition acknowledges the hard work, dedication, and commitment of our faculty, staff, and school families to provide the best possible education for our students," said Principal Mary Baldwin. "It shows that Catholic schools can accomplish great things."

Other Virginia schools recognized were Bethel Manor Elementary School at Langley Air Force Base (York County Public Schools), Central Academy Middle School in Fincastle (Botetourt County Public Schools), Gate City Middle School in Gate City (Scott County Public Schools), Green Run Collegiate in Virginia Beach (Virginia Beach City Public Schools), Saltville Elementary School in Saltville (Smyth County Public Schools), and Spring Hill Elementary School in McLean (Fairfax County Public Schools).

According to the Department of Education, Blue Ribbon Schools are models for effective teaching methods and professional development, data-driven teaching, collaboration in the school community and leadership holding the school to high standards.