The U.S. Department of Education has recognized 356 schools as the Class of 2024 National Blue Ribbon Schools, including 13 schools in Pennsylvania.

Of the 13 schools, Central High School in Philadelphia is one of the winners, marking its third win. Three other schools in the Philadelphia area were honored, including Holy Family School in Phoenixville, Marlborough Elementary School in Upper Perkiomen and Springfield High School in Springfield, Delaware County.

“The Blue Ribbon Award is an award that recognizes the continued academic excellence of the Central High School student body as well as the dedication of our faculty, staff and families. This award recognizes the achievements of our entire school community, past and present,” said Central High School President Katharine Davis in a letter to the community.

Schools receive the award either for being among the highest performing schools in the state or for making significant progress in closing achievement gaps between student groups.

Read it here in Spanish.

The schools in Pennsylvania recognized as National Blue Ribbon Schools were:

• Pennsylvania – Freedom – Economy Elementary School, Ambridge Area School District.
• Pennsylvania – Green Lane – Marlborough Elementary School, Upper Perkiomen School District.
• Pennsylvania – Harrisburg – West Hanover Elementary School, Central Dauphin School District.
• Pennsylvania – Johnstown – Richland Elementary School, Richland School District.
• Pennsylvania – Mercer – Mercer Area High School, Mercer Area SD.
• Pennsylvania – Philadelphia – Central High School, Philadelphia City Sd.
• Pennsylvania – Phoenixville – Holy Family School, Archdiocese of Philadelphia.
• Pennsylvania – Pittsburgh – Dorseyville Middle School, Fox Chapel Area School District.
• Pennsylvania – Renfrew – Connoquenessing Elementary School, Butler Area School District.
• Pennsylvania – Saltsburg – Saltsburg Elementary School, River Valley School District.
• Pennsylvania – Sewickley – Quaker Valley Middle School, Quaker Valley Sd.
• Pennsylvania – Springfield – Springfield High School, Springfield SD.
• Pennsylvania – Stoneboro – Oakview Elementary School, Lakeview School District.

“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 a 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.”