The U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos recognized eight Virginia schools, including a school from Hampton, as 2018 National Blue Ribbon Schools.
The Blue Ribbon recognition is based on a school’s overall academic performance or progress in closing achievement gaps among student subgroups. The coveted award affirms the hard work of educators, families, and communities in creating safe and welcoming schools where students master challenging and engaging content.
Francis W. Jones Magnet Middle School in Hampton was honored.
“I'm pleased to celebrate with you as your school is named a National Blue Ribbon School,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos in a video message to the honorees. “We recognize and honor your important work in preparing students for successful careers and meaningful lives. Congratulations on your students' accomplishments and for your extraordinary commitment to meeting their unique needs.”
All schools are honored in one of two performance categories, based on all student scores, subgroup student scores, and graduation rates. The first category, Exemplary High Performing Schools, are among their state’s highest performing schools as measured by state assessments or nationally normed tests. While Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing Schools are among their state’s highest performing schools in closing achievement gaps between a school’s subgroups and all students over the past five years.
Here are all the Blue Ribbon winners from Virginia:
- Blessed Sacrament School & Early Childhood Center in Alexandria
- Chancellor Elementary School in Fredericksburg
- Colonial Elementary School in Blue Ridge
- Deep Run High School in Glen Allen
- Francis W. Jones Magnet Middle School in Hampton
- Harrington Waddell Elementary School in Lexington
- Keene Mill Elementary School in Springfield
- St. Paul Elementary School in St Paul
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