The 2024 Blue Ribbon Schools include four schools from Mississippi

U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona on Monday announced the recipients of the 2024 National Blue Ribbon Schools Award, one of the most prestigious awards in education.

This year's 356 National Blue Ribbon Schools included four Mississippi schools in districts from the coast to the north of the state:

Mannsdale Upper Elementary School, Madison County School District
Magnolia Park Elementary School, Ocean Springs School District
Ripley High School, South Tippah School District
Stone Elementary School, Stone County School District

How are the schools selected?

The U.S. Department of Education established the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program in 1982 to highlight the academic achievement of private and public elementary, middle, and high schools.

Up to 420 schools can be nominated each year. Each school must submit a comprehensive application with data such as assessment scores and graduation rates. Nominees are not judged solely on data; each application also includes examples of the school's culture and community involvement.

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For public schools, the state's chief education official submits annual nominations. For private schools, nominations are selected by the Council for American Private Education.

Each Blue Ribbon winner is awarded one or both of the following labels: “Exemplary High Achieving School” and “Exemplary School for Closing Achievement Gaps.”

Mannsdale Senior School

Mannsdale Upper Elementary, which opened in 2016, was one of 227 elementary schools on this year's list. The Madison school was recognized as an exemplary high-performing school.

In a press release about the award, Nicole Cockrell, principal of Mannsdale Upper Elementary, said she was thrilled to be on this year's list.

“The teachers, students and staff have worked diligently to develop outstanding citizens since the school opened,” Cockrell said. “This award affirms the importance of building relationships and teaching with heart.”

Madison County Schools Superintendent Ted Poore expressed a similar sentiment in the press release.

“We are thrilled that the hard work and dedication of our teachers, administration, students, families and community is recognized with such an honor,” said Poore. “This award shows everyone in America what we have known for years: that Mannsdale Upper Elementary is among the best in the country.”

See how the schools performed in the MDE grades:Mississippi school grades for 2023-2024 are in. Find the results here

Magnolia Park Elementary School

Magnolia Park Elementary's win marks the second time the school has won a Blue Ribbon Award. The school previously won in 2001. The Ocean Springs school was recognized as an exemplary high-performing school this year.

In a press release about the achievement, Alison Graham, principal of Magnolia Park Elementary School, said the award is a testament to the hard work of teachers and students.

“Just being nominated for this award is a tremendous honor, but to be named as one of the recipients is a phenomenal achievement and would not have been possible without our students, staff and supportive community,” said Graham.

Stein Elementary School

Stone Elementary School, which was recognized as a model school for closing achievement gaps, thanked parents, community members, staff and Wiggins Mayor Darrell Berry on Facebook on Tuesday for their tireless support.

“This award belongs to every member of our SES family,” the Facebook post says. “Together we have created something truly special and we are so proud of what we have achieved as a community.”

Ripley High School

Ripley High School, the only high school in Mississippi honored on this year's list, was one of 63 high schools selected.

A post on X (formerly Twitter) said Ripley High School was an honor, especially since only four schools in Mississippi were selected.

The 2024 Blue Ribbon Schools include four schools from Mississippi

How are the schools selected?

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The 2024 Blue Ribbon Schools include four schools from Mississippi

How are the schools selected?

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