Four Tennessee Schools Named 2007 Blue Ribbon Schools

Nashville, TN – Four Tennessee schools received Blue Ribbon Schools awards from the U.S. Department of Education. This national award recognizes schools that dramatically improved student achievement or performed in the top percent in the state on annual tests.

Tennessee’s 2007 Blue Ribbon Schools are Jacks Creek Elementary in Chester County; Holston View Elementary in Bristol City, Jefferson Middle School in Oak Ridge City; and Harpeth High School in Cheatham County.
“These schools have implemented the best educational practices and resources to increase the academic achievement of their students,” Education Commissioner Lana Seivers said. “I congratulate these schools on modeling the best of what public education is about – helping all students reach their greatest potential.”
Schools may be nominated based on two types of performance. The first category recognizes schools with at least 40 percent disadvantaged students that make exceptional progress on annual achievement tests. The second category honors schools whose students perform in the top 10 percent of all the state’s schools. Two Tennessee schools serving at least 40 percent disadvantaged students also performed in the top 10 percent in the state.

“The criteria for this award are not easily met. Blue Ribbon status represents a tremendous amount of work on the part of both staff and students at each school,” Federal Programs Director Julie McCargar said. “This is a notable honor for everyone involved.”

The Blue Ribbon Schools award program was created by the No Child Left Behind legislation in 2002. The principal and one teacher from each 2007 Blue Ribbon School will be invited to an awards ceremony in Washington, D.C. November 12-13. For more information, contact Rachel Woods at (615) 253-1960 or Rachel.Woods@state.tn.us.