The U.S. Department of Education named three Arkansas public schools as 2018 National Blue Ribbon Schools, according to an Oct. 1 news release.
Kingsland Elementary School in the Cleveland County School District, J.B. Hunt Elementary School in the Springdale School District and Woodrow Cummins Elementary School in the Conway School District were among 349 schools nationally honored.
“The Blue Ribbon program recognizes public and private schools for high academic achievement or progress toward closing the achievement gap,” according to the release.
Kingsland Elementary School received the Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing Schools designation for its efforts to close achievement gaps between student groups and all students over the last five years.
J.B. Hunt Elementary School and Woodrow Cummins Elementary School received the Exemplary High Performing Schools designation for student performance on state assessments.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
“I commend the students and educators at these three schools for their commitment to student learning and success,” Arkansas Department of Education Commissioner Johnny Key said. “They serve as models of excellence and are helping Arkansas lead the way in student-focused education.”
Gov. Asa Hutchinson acknowledged the honorees as well.
“I applaud the teachers, administrators and staff at these Blue Ribbon Schools for their exemplary work and their tremendous commitment to providing their students with a high-quality education,” Hutchinson said. “While the work of an educator is never done, their hard work has paid off, and it communicates that Arkansas is serious about education. Thank you, teachers and students, for leading the way, and congratulations.”
Details: https://www2.ed.gov/programs/nclbbrs/index.html.