Eastside Elementary School Nabs Washington's Only Blue Ribbon

REDMOND, WA — Redmond's Rosa Parks Elementary School is one of 325 schools across the nation to be named a 2021 National Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education, and Washington's only school to take home the honor this year. In 2020, four Washington schools received the designation.

"Rosa Parks Elementary School is a truly special school community for students, families and staff," said Melissa Doering, the school's principal. "I am so thankful to lead this unique and diverse community of learners for a fourth year, and I believe this award recognizes the ongoing dedication of our world-class teaching staff and our supportive community to the success of our students. We are so proud of this accomplishment, and we will continue to learn, monitor and adjust to meet our children's needs."

The annual award, now in its 39th year, recognizes a school’s overall academic performance as well the commitment by staff to help students succeed.

Up to 420 schools may be nominated each year, according to the Department of Education. Nominees are selected by top education officials in states and territories, including the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.

Blue Ribbon Schools are then selected based on their performance in one of two categories:

• Exemplary High-Performing Schools: These are among a state's highest performing schools as measured by state assessments or nationally normed tests.
• Exemplary Achievement Gap-Closing Schools: These are among a state's highest performing schools in closing achievement gaps between all other students and according to a school’s student groups.

Schools are also selected based on student scores, subgroup student scores and graduation rates.

This year’s nominees “illustrate what is possible” during tough times, U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona said in a news release.

"I commend this school and all our Blue Ribbon honorees for working to keep students healthy and safe while meeting their academic, social, emotional, and mental health needs,” Cardona said in the release. “In the face of unprecedented circumstances, you found creative ways to engage, care for, protect, and teach our children.”