Here's what schools across DC, Maryland, and Virginia are National Blue Ribbon nominees

WASHINGTON — Hold onto your backpacks, folks! The National Blue Ribbon Schools (NBRS) Program is at it again, celebrating schools that are truly a cut above the rest. This year, several shining stars from the DMV area have been nominated for this prestigious honor, proving that when it comes to education, they’re not just making the grade — they’re acing it!

For over forty years, the NBRS Program has been like the Oscars for schools, recognizing exceptional public and non-public elementary, middle, and high schools across the country. Launched in 1982 by Secretary of Education Terrel H. Bell, the program aims to spotlight schools that excel academically or are closing achievement gaps among diverse student populations. Each year, schools are nominated based on rigorous academic performance metrics and their strides toward inclusivity. 

This year, the DMV boasts an impressive lineup of nominees that represent a blend of public, charter, and non-public schools committed to excellence. 

Here’s a look at the schools nominated in the DMV:

DC

• DC Bilingual Public Charter School
  Nomination Category: Exemplary High Performing Schools

• Payne Elementary School
  Nomination Category: Exemplary High Performing Schools

Maryland

• Bells Mill Elementary School (Potomac)
  Nomination Category: Exemplary High Performing Schools

• Bishop McNamara High School (Forestville)
  Nomination Category: Exemplary High Performing Schools

• Chapel Hill Elementary School (Perry Hall)
  Nomination Category: Exemplary High Performing Schools

• Immaculate Conception School (Towson)
  Nomination Category: Exemplary High Performing Schools

• Our Lady of Perpetual Help School (Ellicott City)
  Nomination Category: Exemplary High Performing Schools

• Saint John the Evangelist School (Severna Park)
  Nomination Category: Exemplary High Performing Schools

• St. Joseph School (Cockeysville)
  Nomination Category: Exemplary High Performing Schools

• St. Mary Elementary School (Annapolis)
  Nomination Category: Exemplary High Performing Schools

• Woodfield Elementary School (Gaithersburg)
  Nomination Category: Exemplary High Performing Schools

• Worthington Elementary School (Ellicott City)
  Nomination Category: Exemplary High Performing Schools

Virginia

• Bethel Manor Elementary School (Langley AFB)
  Nomination Category: Exemplary High Performing Schools

• Central Academy Middle School (Fincastle)
  Nomination Category: Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing Schools

• Gate City Middle School (Gate City)
  Nomination Category: Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing Schools

• Green Run Collegiate (Virginia Beach)
  Nomination Category: Exemplary High Performing Schools

• Saltville Elementary School (Saltville)
  Nomination Category: Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing Schools

• Spring Hill Elementary School (McLean)
  Nomination Category: Exemplary High Performing Schools

• St Andrew The Apostle School (Clifton)
  Nomination Category: Exemplary High Performing Schools

• T. Clay Wood Elementary School (Nokesville)
  Nomination Category: Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing Schools

The nominees share some things in common including a dedication to high standards, innovative teaching practices, and a strong sense of community. They are places where teachers inspire, students engage, and everyone works toward a common goal.

But it’s not just about the awards; being a National Blue Ribbon School can attract new partnerships, enhance community support, and instill a sense of pride among students and staff. 

Every year, the U.S. Department of Education rolls out the red carpet for the National Blue Ribbon Schools at an awards ceremony in Washington, D.C. Each honored school receives a plaque and a flag to symbolize their exemplary status.

So here’s to the DMV schools nominated for the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program. They’re not just teaching our kids, they’re lighting the way to a brighter future. 

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