U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona announced the 356 schools honored as the 2024 National Blue Ribbon Schools cohort. Each year, up to 420 schools can be nominated for this prestigious award, which celebrates outstanding academic achievement and progress in education.

Nominations are submitted by top education officials from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, U.S. territories, the Department of Defense Education Activity, and the Bureau of Indian Education. Private schools are nominated by the Council for American Private Education (CAPE).

Once nominated, schools complete a comprehensive application highlighting their school culture, programs, assessments, instructional strategies, professional development, leadership, and engagement with families and the community.

The 2024 National Blue Ribbon Schools showcase the diversity of American education, serving students from a wide range of backgrounds. Despite their differences, awardees share key traits: a commitment to excellence, innovative practices, and a focus on student success.

A National Blue Ribbon School flag proudly displayed in a school’s entryway or on its flagpole is a nationally recognized symbol of exceptional teaching and learning. These schools set the standard for educators nationwide, inspiring and guiding best practices.