Orange Beach Elementary named 2021 National Blue Ribbon School

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Posted 9/29/21

Orange Beach Elementary was one of five schools in Alabama recognized as National Blue Ribbon Schools for 2021. U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona announced the 325 schools across the U.S. …

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Orange Beach Elementary named 2021 National Blue Ribbon School

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Orange Beach Elementary was one of five schools in Alabama recognized as National Blue Ribbon Schools for 2021. U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona announced the 325 schools across the U.S. that received the prestigious recognition on Sept. 21.

The recognition is based on the school’s overall academic performance or progress in closing achievement gaps among student subgroups. Cardona made the announcement during his Return to School Road Trip while visiting an awardee school in Illinois.

“This year’s cohort of honorees demonstrates what is possible when committed educators and school leaders create vibrant, welcoming and affirming school cultures where rich teaching and learning can flourish,” said Cardona. “I commend all our Blue Ribbon honorees for working to keep students healthy and safe while meeting their academic, social, emotional and mental health needs. In the face of unprecedented circumstances, you found creative ways to engage, care for, protect and teach our children. Blue Ribbon Schools have so much to offer and can serve as a model for other schools and communities so that we can truly build back better.”

The coveted National Blue Ribbon Schools award affirms the hard work of educators, families and communities in creating safe and welcoming schools where students master challenging and engaging content.

Now in its 39th year, the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program has bestowed approximately 10,000 awards to more than 9,000 schools.

The U.S. Department of Education recognizes all schools in one of two performance categories, based on all student scores, subgroup student 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.

Up to 420 schools may be nominated each year. The U.S. Department of Education invites National Blue Ribbon Schools 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 Bureau of Indian Education. Private schools are nominated by the Council for American Private Education.