09/23/2024

Naperville, IL – September 23, 2024 – U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona today recognized Neuqua Valley High School, along with 355 schools across the country, as the 2024 cohort of National Blue Ribbon Schools. This prestigious recognition highlights schools that excel in academic performance or make significant strides in closing achievement gaps among different student groups.

 “The National Blue Ribbon Schools Award is a testament to the exceptional achievements of students and educators at each of these schools,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona. “The 2024 National Blue Ribbon Schools are raising the bar for our nation’s students, serving as models for effective teaching and intentional collaboration in their schools and communities. As we celebrate their achievements, let us look to these schools for inspiration as we champion education as the foundation of a brighter future for every child.”

The 2024 National Blue Ribbon Schools reflect the full diversity of American education and serve students from all backgrounds. While awardees represent a wide array of schools, they share common traits. National Blue Ribbon Schools are led by leaders who articulate a clear vision of instructional excellence and uphold high standards. They showcase effective teaching methods and offer robust professional development for their staff. Data-driven instruction is a hallmark, and there is a concerted effort to ensure every student succeeds. Collaboration among families, communities, and educators is a key component of their success.

A National Blue Ribbon School award flag displayed in a school’s entryway or on a flagpole is a widely recognized emblem of exceptional teaching and learning. These schools serve as models of effective and innovative practices for educators across the nation.

The Department recognizes all schools based on student performance data including assessment results, student subgroup performance and graduation rates. Schools are recognized in both or either of two performance categories:

• Exemplary High Performing Schools: These schools are among the top performers in their state as measured by state assessments or nationally normed tests.

• Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing Schools: These schools excel in narrowing achievement gaps between different student groups and the overall student body.

Each nominated school submits a comprehensive application detailing its school culture, curriculum, assessments, instructional practices, professional development, leadership, family, and community involvement.

Indian Prairie School District 204 Superintendent, Dr. Adrian B. Talley, commended the hard work and dedication of Neuqua Valley staff and students for earning this recognition. He also highlighted the unwavering commitment of the schools within the Neuqua Valley feeder system, whose efforts played a key role in this achievement. “We celebrate Neuqua Valley High School on their achievement,” Talley said. “This achievement is not the result of one person or one year. Rather, it is a culmination of years of hard work from the staff at the school as well as the feeder schools that prepared the students for high school. This award also celebrates the hard work of the students and their families.”  

Up to 420 schools may be nominated each year. The Department invites nominations for the National Blue Ribbon Schools award from the top education official in all states, the District of Columbia, U.S. territories, the Department of Defense Education Activity, and the Bureau of Indian Education. Private schools are nominated by the Council for American Private Education.