Three Utah elementary schools have earned the 2024 National Blue Ribbon award from the U.S. Department of Education. The recognition is reserved for schools that have excelled academically or made significant strides in closing achievement gaps among different student groups.
Those schools are:
Edgemont Elementary School, Provo School District.
River Heights Elementary School, Cache County School District.
Bella Vista School, Canyons School District.
Bella Vista staff and faculty celebrated the Monday announcement with blueberry muffins and a special assembly Tuesday morning, a Canyons School District spokesperson said. A National Blue Ribbon School flag will be displayed in the school’s entryway. This week, all students will also be offered blue popsicles to celebrate the designation.
“Teachers, you should be proud,” Bella Vista Principal Barbra Winder said in a statement early Monday. “This recognition is long overdue — and because of your hard work. I’m so proud of our Bella Vista Tigers for being respectful, safe and kind learners.”
River Heights Elementary staff and students also celebrated the news. Principal Stacie Williamson said in a statement that the Cache County school’s success “comes from its people, their unwavering dedication to our students, and seeing each child as an individual.”
“We are so proud and excited for River Heights Elementary’s staff, students, families and community,” Williamson said. “This remarkable achievement speaks to their vision, hard work, and commitment to excellence.”
The three schools are among 356 public and private elementary, middle and high schools nationwide to receive the National Blue Ribbon title this year. Up to 420 schools can be nominated each year.
Last year, two Utah schools made the 2023 list: Milford Elementary School in the Beaver County School District and Wasatch Elementary School in the Salt Lake City School District.
At the time, Wasatch Elementary was one of seven elementary schools that Salt Lake City education leaders were studying for potential closure. The campus ultimately remained open.
“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 in a Monday news release. “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.”
