​MEDIA CONTACTS: Meghan Frick, mfrick@doe.k12.ga.us, 404-463-4246

Keisha Ford-Jenrette, kford@gadoe.org, 404-657-2949

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Note: The U.S. Department of Education has photos and details on each school at nationalblueribbonschools.ed.gov/awardwinners

September 28, 2017 – Six Georgia public schools were named 2017 National Blue Ribbon Schools today.

Blue Ribbon is a national recognition from the U.S. Department of Education. This year, six Georgia public schools received the honor: Dickerson Middle School in Cobb County, Dodgen Middle School in Cobb County, Kedron Elementary School in Fayette County, Big Creek Elementary School in Forsyth County, Brookwood Elementary School in Forsyth County, and Riverwatch Middle School in Forsyth County.

“I cannot say enough good things about these six outstanding Georgia public schools, who have been recognized on a national level for excellence,” State School Superintendent Richard Woods said. “All over the state of Georgia, schools are beating the odds to provide the very best opportunities for students. I am so grateful for all the hard-working educators, parents, and students who are doing incredible work and making a positive impact on the health and future of our state.”  

Schools are chosen in two categories (see the full criteria descriptions here):

• Exemplary High Performing Schools are among their state’s highest performing schools as measured by state assessments or nationally normed tests. Student subgroup performance and high school graduation rates are also at the highest levels.
• Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing Schools are among their state’s highest performing schools in closing achievement gaps between a school’s subgroups and all students over the past five years. Student subgroup performance and high school graduation rates for each subgroup are at high levels.

Three Georgia private schools also received the National Blue Ribbon recognition: Atlanta Academy in Roswell, Savannah Christian Preparatory in Savannah, and St. John the Evangelist Catholic School in Hapeville.

The selection process for private schools differs from the process for public schools; for more information, click here.

The U.S. Department of Education will honor 342 schools at a recognition ceremony from Nov. 6-7 in Washington, D.C. In its 35-year history, the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program has bestowed this coveted award on more than 8,000 of America’s schools.