BUNCOMBE COUNTY, N.C. (WLOS) — Two schools in western North Carolina, Martin L. Nesbitt Jr. Discovery Academy in Asheville and McDowell Early College in Marion, were recently recognized as 2024 National Blue Ribbon Schools by the U.S. Department of Education.
The two schools were among six schools in North Carolina to receive this award, according to a press release from the U.S. Department of Education. A total of 356 schools in the country were recognized.
“The National Blue Ribbon School Award is an incredible honor and a testament to the dedicated team of educators at Nesbitt Discovery Academy,” said Will Thrasher, Nesbitt’s principal, in a Buncombe County Schools news release. “We are proud that their efforts continue to be recognized for the work that is done daily at our school.”
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Dr. Rob Jackson, superintendent of Buncombe County Schools, said in the press release that he was proud that one of the county’s schools was honored with the national award.
“The challenging, innovative and exciting lessons we experience in the classrooms extend beyond the school walls. From the school hosting a STEM day for the community to Nesbitt students mentoring younger students in creating the outdoor classroom at Johnston Elementary, there is much to celebrate for the staff and students of Nesbitt,” said Jackson.
According to the U.S. Department of Education press release, the award recognizes schools that demonstrate outstanding academic achievement or make significant progress in closing achievement gaps among different student groups.
The other North Carolina schools honored were:
- Immaculata Catholic School, Diocese of Raleigh
- Hope Middle School in Greenville, Pitt County Schools
- Willow Springs Elementary School in Willow Springs, Wake County Schools
- Rock Ridge Elementary School in Wilson, Wilson County Schools
“The National Blue Ribbon Schools Award is a testament to the exceptional achievements of the students and teachers at each of these schools,” U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona said in the press release. “The 2024 National Blue Ribbon Schools raise the bar for our nation’s students and serve as models of effective instruction and intentional collaboration in their schools and communities. As we celebrate their achievements, we should look to these schools for inspiration as we advocate for education as the foundation of a better future for every child.”
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Each honored school receives a National Blue Ribbon School Award flag, which can be displayed in the school entrance or on a flagpole.
The Department of Education said in the press release that it recognizes all schools based on student performance data, including assessment scores, performance of individual student groups, and graduation rates. Schools are recognized in both or either of two performance categories:
- Exemplary High-Performing Schools: These schools are among the highest-performing schools in their state, as measured by state assessments or nationally standardized tests.
- Exemplary schools for closing achievement gaps: These schools are characterized by their ability to close achievement gaps between different groups of students and the student body as a whole.
Each nominated school submits a comprehensive application detailing its school culture, programs, assessments, teaching practices, professional development, leadership, and commitment to family and community. Up to 420 schools may be nominated each year.
The Department of Education invites the chief educational officials of each state, the District of Columbia, U.S. territories, the Department of Defense Education Activities, and the Bureau of Indian Education to submit nominations for the National Blue Ribbon Schools Award. Private schools are nominated by the Council for American Private Education.
