Education Secretary Miguel Cardona speaks at the Department of Education headquarters on July 22, 2024. (Courtesy of the Department of Education)

LINCOLN – The U.S. Department of Education is recognizing four Nebraska schools as “National Blue Ribbon Schools for 2024” for their exemplary high educational standards.

U.S. Education Secretary Miguel Cardona on Monday awarded 356 schools for the 2024 class, including four Nebraska schools in Omaha, Oxford and West Point. The local schools are considered the highest performing in Nebraska, as measured by state assessments or nationally standardized tests, according to the Award criteria.

Nebraska schools for 2024 are:

The National Blue Ribbon Schools Program recognizes public and nonpublic schools for exemplary high educational standards or for progress in closing achievement gaps among student subgroups.

In total, 356 schools — 316 public and 40 nonpublic — received recognition this year in 46 states; Washington, DC; the Department of Defense Education Activity; and the Virgin Islands. Four schools in Nebraska earned praise last year in Dodge, Gretna, Omaha and Pender, which included an elementary school in the Millard Public Schools.

Up to 420 schools may be nominated each year by the chief education officials of each state, DC, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, DoDEA, and the Bureau of Indian Education. Private schools are nominated by the Council for American Private Education.

Cardona said the award was “a testament to the exceptional achievements of the students and teachers at each of these schools.”

“The 2024 National Blue Ribbon Schools raise the bar for our nation’s students and serve as role models for effective teaching and intentional collaboration in their schools and communities,” Cardona said. “As we celebrate their successes, we should look to these schools for inspiration as we advance education as the foundation for a better future for every child.”

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