UPDATE: This article has been updated to include a quote from Chapel Hill Elementary School principal, Nancy Hill and from Councilman David Marks.

Original story below…

BALTIMORE, MD—On Monday, U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona named four Maryland public schools from Baltimore County, Howard County, and Montgomery County as 2024 National Blue Ribbon Schools.

This year’s Maryland Blue Ribbon schools are Chapel Hill Elementary, Baltimore County Public Schools (BCPS); Worthington Elementary, Howard County Public School System (HCPSS); and Bells Mill Elementary and Woodfield Elementary, both from Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS). Bells Mill also received Blue Ribbon School honors in 1988.

“The National Blue Ribbon Schools Award is a testament to the exceptional achievements of students and educators at each of these schools,” said Secretary 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 State Board is pleased to recognize the achievements of these four exceptional schools,” said Dr. Joshua L. Michael, State Board of Education President. “This prestigious honor reflects their unwavering commitment to academic excellence, innovative teaching practices, and the cultivation of a supportive learning environment.”

“Our Blue Ribbon Schools represent the transformative power of outstanding teaching and learning. They are models of success and progress for schools throughout Maryland,” said Dr. Carey M. Wright, State Superintendent of Schools. “As we elevate public education for every child, we commend these four school communities on achieving this tremendous honor and applaud every Blue Ribbon School recognized this year.”

Chapel Hill’s principal, Nancy Hill, said the school is honored to be recognized.

“A huge, heartfelt thank you to our fabulous teachers, staff, students, and parents for your hard work, dedication, and living our philosophy – ‘Every student, every classroom, every day! 100%’,” Hill said. “Thank you to our executive directors and to Dr. Rogers for their unwavering support and belief in our school community.”

Approximately 180 Maryland public schools have achieved National Blue Ribbon honors. The program began in 1982 and the first awards were given in 1983.

Since then, the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program has recognized the performance of more than 9,000 schools nationwide for academic performance or progress in closing achievement gaps among student subgroups.

“As someone who attended Chapel Hill Elementary School in the 1980s, I couldn’t be prouder that this outstanding school has received this honor,” said Councilman David Marks. “Congratulations to the students and parents who made this happen!”

Photo via Chapel Hill Elementary on X