Three east metro schools are among the best in the country, the U.S. Department of Education said Thursday.
St. Anthony Park Elementary in St. Paul, Gordon Bailey Elementary in Woodbury and Lake Marion in Lakeville are three of this year’s 342 “Blue Ribbon” schools.
The annual recognition goes to public and private schools that either show strong overall academic performance or have made progress in closing achievement gaps. All eight Minnesota schools receiving this year’s award were nominated for overall performance.
“National Blue Ribbon Schools are active demonstrations of preparing every child for a bright future,” U.S. Education Secretary Betsy DeVos said in the announcement.
The other Minnesota schools, all serving the elementary grades, are Hoover in the Mankato district, Oakwood in Wayzata, Washington in Rochester and Wilshire Park in St. Anthony-New Brighton.
“We must learn from these schools and expand our reach to every Minnesota school so all kids have what they need to succeed, regardless of circumstance,” Minnesota Education Commissioner Brenda Cassellius said in a prepared statement.
The schools will be honored in a recognition ceremony Nov. 6-7 in Washington.
Schools may not apply for the award more than once within five years.