On Tuesday, Sept. 19, the US Department of Education recognized 353 schools across the country for their excellence, including six from Maryland.
Those to make the cut in Maryland:
- Church Hill Elementary School in Queen Anne's County (private);
- Matapeake Elementary School in Stevensville;
- Northeast Elementary School in Cumberland;
- Oakdale High School in Ijamsville;
- Smithsburg Middle School in Washington County;
- Stone Mill Elementary School in North Potomac.
For 40 years, the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program has bestowed approximately 10,000 awards to more than 9,700 schools, with some receiving multiple awards.
Each year, the US Education Department invites National Blue Ribbon School nominations from the top education official in all states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, the Department of Defense Education Activity, and the Bureau of Indian Education.
Private schools are nominated by the Council for American Private Education.
"The coveted National Blue Ribbon School award affirms the hard work of students, educators, families, and communities in creating safe and welcoming schools where students master challenging and engaging content," according to the agency.
Schools that earned the designation will be provided a flag to be flown recognizing that it has been selected as a National Blue Ribbon School flag, which "is a widely recognized symbol of exemplary teaching and learning.”
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