Six Tennessee schools recognized as National Blue Ribbon Schools

Exterior of Jordan Elementary School in Brentwood (Photo by Williamson County Schools)

The U.S. Department of Education has named six Tennessee schools as National Blue Ribbon Schools this year for academic performance or progress in closing achievement gaps. 

The school list announced Monday includes two schools from East Tennessee including Miller Perry Elementary School in Kingsport and Glenwood Elementary School in Oak Ridge. Middle Tennessee has four schools on the National Blue Ribbon list including Early College High School in Nashville, Merrol Hyde Magnet School in Hendersonville, Spanish Immersion at Barksdale in Clarksville, and Jordan Elementary School (JES) in Brentwood.

Williamson County Schools says this is the seventeenth time one of its schools has earned the Blue Ribbon designation. The district posted a statement from JES Principal Chad Walker about the importance of this year’s recognition.

ES Principal Chad Walker (Photo by Williamson County Schools)

"Being a National Blue Ribbon School is an exclusive honor that we will display proudly," said JES Principal Chad Walker. "All of our students, faculty, staff and community have made this possible through their hard work, dedication and belief in our mission to be a world class school. When we opened Jordan just seven years ago, we set a goal to be named a National Blue Ribbon School in our first eligible year. It is exciting to see our efforts being recognized on a national level. We look forward to celebrating this award with our school community in the coming weeks and attending the ceremony in Washington, D.C. in November. At Jordan Elementary, we are still in the early years of our history, and we look forward to many more years of successful teaching and learning."

Early College High School Principal Roderick Manuel Sr. (Photo by Metro Nashville Public Schools)

Education leaders in Nashville attribute the Blue Ribbon recognition to a unique partnership with Nashville State Community College that began in 2018 to create Early College High School. The school provides students with the opportunity to earn college credits while completing high school, allowing them to graduate with both a high school diploma and an associate degree. The curriculum emphasizes college readiness, with students completing rigorous coursework that mirrors the demands of college academics according to a press release put out by the district. 

“We are honored to be recognized as a National Blue Ribbon School,” said Early College High School Principal Roderick Manuel Sr. “This award celebrates the relentless commitment of our teachers, staff, students, and families. We strive every day to create a learning environment where our students can thrive academically and personally, and this recognition is a reflection of our collective efforts.”

The U.S. Department of Education recognizes all schools in one of two performance categories, based on all student scores, student group scores, and graduation rates: 

• Exemplary High Performing Schools are among their state’s highest performing schools as measured by state assessments or nationally normed tests.  

• Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing Schools are among their state’s highest performing schools in closing achievement gaps between a school’s student groups and all students.  

"I am thrilled that six Tennessee schools are being recognized as 2024 National Blue Ribbon Schools,” said Tennessee Department of Education Lizzette Reynolds.  “This national recognition is a remarkable achievement to showcase how these educators and school and district leaders are dedicated to providing opportunities for all students to succeed each and every day.” 

 The six Tennessee schools named to the list are among the 356 schools selected nationwide.

Updated with quotes and information from Metro Nashville Public Schools