Jefferson City News

Missouri has seen eight of its schools recognized as National Blue Ribbon Schools by the U.S. Department of Education for 2024. This accolade honors schools for their exceptional academic performance or significant achievements while serving a considerable number of disadvantaged students.

The schools acknowledged this year include Bristol Elementary School in Webster Groves School District, Meramec Elementary School in Clayton School District, Metro Academic and Classical High School in St. Louis Public School District, Oakwood Elementary School in Hannibal 60 School District, Ralph M. Captain Elementary School also in Clayton School District, Richland Elementary School in Richland R-I School District, Voy Spears Jr. Elementary School and William Yates Elementary School both in Blue Springs R-IV School District.

Commissioner of Education Karla Eslinger praised the recipients stating, “Congratulations to the students, teachers, and staff members at each of these schools for this extraordinary accomplishment.” She added that these institutions excel in providing quality education and expressed appreciation for their dedication.

Earlier this year, these eight schools were named Missouri Gold Star Schools by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. This recognition is part of a program initiated in 1991 that uses similar criteria to those employed by the National Blue Ribbon Schools program. Over 9,000 schools nationwide have received this prestigious award from the U.S. Department of Education.

An award ceremony for the 2024 National Blue Ribbon Schools will take place on November 7 and 8 in Washington, DC. Additional details and photographs are available through the U.S. Department of Education.