On Sept. 29, the U.S. Department of Education announced 335 campuses across the country as National Blue Ribbon Schools for 2015. Within Texas, just 25 campuses received this prestigious honor. Among them was Garland ISD’s Kimberlin Academy for Excellence.
“This honor recognizes your students’ accomplishments and the hard work and dedication that went into their success,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan during the announcement. “Your journey has taught you collaboration, intentional instruction, and strong relationships in school and with your community. You represent excellence—in vision, in implementation, and in results—and we want to learn as much as we can from you.”
The Blue Ribbon Program was founded in 1982. It recognizes schools based on overall academic excellence or progress in closing achievement gaps among student subgroups, both done in an effort to demonstrate that all students can achieve at high levels. To be considered, schools complete a rigorous application process.
Winners are comprised of public and non-public elementary, middle and high schools—including traditional, charter, magnet, parochial and independent schools. This year’s 285 public and 50 private school honorees will be recognized at a November ceremony in Washington D.C. Each school will receive an award plaque and a flag as symbols of their accomplishments. GISD will also hold its own celebration later this school year.
This is the third time Kimberlin has earned a Blue Ribbon distinction, which continues the district’s tradition of excellence. Just last year, Roach Elementary School and Walnut Glen Academy for Excellence were named National Blue Ribbon Schools. Since the award was founded, a total of seven campuses have been recognized 12 times.
For more information, visit the program’s website.
Information provided by Garland ISD.