Four Colorado schools earn national Blue Ribbon honors

Sept. 24, 2020

Four Colorado schools earn national Blue Ribbon honors

DENVER - The Colorado Department of Education congratulates the four Colorado schools named by U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos as 2020 National Blue Ribbon Schools, celebrating their high academic outcomes and efforts to close the achievement gap among student subgroups. 

“We applaud the hard work by the teachers, staff, students and parents at each of these schools,” said Colorado Education Commissioner Katy Anthes. “This year hasn't been easy, and to get an award like this is particularly gratifying. We know so many people are working diligently to support students and help them to continue to improve. It is great to receive an award like this that recognizes those efforts."

The Colorado schools awarded are:

• D'Evelyn Junior/Senior High School  (Jeffco)

• Highline Academy Southeast (Denver)

• McAuliffe International (Denver) 

• Swink Elementary (Swink)

“Congratulations to this year’s National Blue Ribbon School awardees,” said Secretary DeVos. “It’s a privilege to recognize the extraordinary work you do to meet students’ needs and prepare them for successful careers and meaningful lives.”

The National Blue Ribbons Schools award is a symbol of excellence and quality that honors America’s most successful public and private elementary, middle and high schools. 

Now in its 38th year, the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program has recognized more than 9,000 schools. The 2020 National Blue Ribbon Schools Awards Ceremony will be held virtually Nov. 12 and 13. While we regret not having the opportunity to celebrate in person, given the current situation regarding COVID-19, we will celebrate the 317 public and 50 non-public school honorees in the ways that we are able, and they will each receive their plaques and flags via mail.

Schools are eligible for the award on one of two performance categories, based on all student scores, student subgroup scores and graduation rates. Exemplary High Performing Schools are among the state’s highest performing schools as measured by state assessments or nationally normed tests. Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing Schools are among the 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 Department invites National Blue Ribbon School 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 the Bureau of Indian Education. Private schools are nominated by The Council for American Private Education (CAPE).Click here for more information about the Blue Ribbon Schools.

Click here for more information about the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program.