Eight Tennessee Schools Earn National Recognition for Student Achievement

NASHVILLE—The Tennessee State Board of Education today recognized eight Tennessee schools that earned national recognition for their academic achievement and closing achievement gaps.

Six Tennessee schools were named National Blue Ribbon Schools by the U.S. Department of Education and two Tennessee schools earned recognition as Title I Distinguished Schools by the National Title I Association.

"These schools are exemplars in the state,” Education Commissioner Candice McQueen said. “This is an outstanding accomplishment that took effort from students, teachers, administrators, and parents.”

The National Blue Ribbon Schools award, presented by the U.S. Department of Education, honors public and private schools whose students attain and maintain high academic goals that work toward closing achievement gaps. Six Tennessee schools were celebrated at the state board meeting on Friday for earning these accolades:

• Foothills Elementary, Maryville City Schools
• Hillsboro Elementary/Middle, Williamson County Schools
• Kenrose Elementary, Williamson County Schools
• Madison Academic Magnet High, Jackson-Madison County Schools
• Martin Luther King, Jr. Academic Magnet High, Metro Nashville Public Schools
• Trinity Elementary, Williamson County Schools

These Tennessee schools join more than 7,500 schools nationwide that have received this honor over the 33 years of the program. National Blue Ribbon Schools serve as models for other schools throughout the nation. The schools were celebrated at a ceremony in Washington D.C. last fall.

The state board also recognized two West Tennessee schools that were named Title I Distinguished Schools:

• E.E. Jeter Elementary, Shelby County Schools
• Cummings School, Shelby County Schools

The National Title I Distinguished School Program selects schools from each state that demonstrate academic achievement and show shrinking achievement gaps among their students. E.E. Jeter Elementary was recognized for academic achievement and Cummings Schools was celebrated for closing achievement gaps. These schools were recognized at a national awards ceremony in Utah earlier this year. The National Title I Association has been honoring outstanding Title I schools since 1996.

For more information, contact Ashley Ball at (615) 532-6260 or Ashley.M.Ball@tn.gov.