Schools Recognized for Excellence with 2019 U.S. Blue Ribbon Awards

SANTA FE, NM – Three New Mexico schools have received one of the highest national honors for improving student outcomes and closing achievement gaps, New Mexico Public Education Secretary Ryan Stewart, Ed. L.D., announced today. The U.S. Department of Education has given the National Blue Ribbon School award to Career Enrichment Center & Early College Academy in Albuquerque, Ladera Del Norte Elementary in Farmington, and Logan Elementary in Logan.

“On behalf of the Public Education Department and the State of New Mexico, I want to congratulate the students, faculty, staff and administration at all three of these incredible schools,” Secretary Stewart said. “We are proud to hold them up as exemplars of what all public education institutions should strive for and will continue to support the amazing work they do on a daily basis.”

Schools are recognized in two categories: Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing Schools and Exemplary High Performing Schools. This year, Career Enrichment Center & Early College Academy and Logan Elementary were honored in the Exemplary High Performing Schools category. Ladera Elementary was honored in the Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing Schools category.

“I am so very proud of our elementary students and staff,” said Logan Superintendent Dennis Roch. “I’m especially gratified that this award recognizes the strong history of achievement our school is known for.”

To qualify for the Blue Ribbon award, schools are required to demonstrate dramatic progress in student achievement growth or show overall academic excellence.  After being nominated by NMPED, each school submits an application to the U.S. Department of Education for consideration and review. Schools recognized in the Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing Schools category are among their state’s highest performing schools in closing achievement gaps between a school’s student groups and all students. Schools recognized in the Exemplary High Performing Schools category are among their state’s highest performing schools as measured by state assessments or nationally normed tests.

Since 1982, the U.S. Department of Education has invited annual National Blue Ribbon School nominations from state education agencies and top education officials. A total of 420 schools nationwide may be nominated, with awards determined by the number of K-12 students and schools in each state or jurisdiction.  Now in its 37th year, the national Blue Ribbon Schools program has bestowed recognition on more than 9,000 schools.  Secretary Betsy DeVos and the Department of Education will celebrate all 2019 honorees at an awards ceremony on November 14th and 15th in Washington D.C.