Jefferson City News

Missouri's eight Gold Star Schools for 2023 have been honored as National Blue Ribbon Schools by the U.S. Department of Education (USED). This program recognizes schools for their exceptional academic performance or progress in closing achievement gaps among student subgroups.

The Missouri schools receiving this national recognition are Betty Wheeler Classical Junior Academy, Chesterfield Elementary School, South High School, Harry S. Truman Elementary School, Mallinckrodt Academy of Gifted Instruction, Mathews Elementary School, Pierremont Elementary School, and Reed Elementary School.

Commissioner of Education Margie Vandeven praised the recognized institutions: “Congratulations to the students, teachers, and staff members at each of these schools for this extraordinary accomplishment. These schools go above and beyond to provide the best education possible for their students. We appreciate their commitment and commend them for a job well done.”

In May 2023, these schools were also celebrated as Missouri Gold Star Schools under a program initiated by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education in 1991. The nomination criteria for both awards are aligned. Since its inception, more than 9,700 schools nationwide have received this prestigious award from USED.

The award ceremony for the 2023 National Blue Ribbon Schools will take place on November 16 and 17 in Washington, DC. Additional information about all awarded schools is available through USED.