Asheville and Marion Schools Earn National Blue Ribbon Award for Academic Excellence

Asheville and Marion Schools Celebrate National Blue Ribbon Recognition

Asheville, N.C. – Exciting news for our local education community! Two schools in Western North Carolina have received the prestigious 2024 National Blue Ribbon Schools award from the United States Department of Education. The schools, Martin L. Nesbitt Jr. Discovery Academy in Asheville and McDowell Early College in Marion, are shining examples of what dedicated staff and engaged students can accomplish.

What is the National Blue Ribbon Schools Award?

So, what does it take to earn this honor? According to a recent announcement, this award recognizes schools that excel in academic performance or demonstrate significant progress in narrowing the achievement gap among various student groups. In total, 356 schools across the nation were celebrated, with six of those being from North Carolina.

Local Educators Express Pride

Will Thrasher, the principal of Nesbitt Discovery Academy, expressed deep pride in the recognition. “The National Blue Ribbon School Award is an incredible honor and a testament to the dedicated team of educators at Nesbitt Discovery Academy,” he said, highlighting the incredible work being done within the school. “We’re proud that their efforts continue to be recognized for the work happening in our school every day.”

Meanwhile, Buncombe County Schools Superintendent Dr. Rob Jackson also shared his thoughts on the award. He noted how the engaging lessons and innovative teaching methods extend beyond the classroom, mentioning how Nesbitt Academy hosted community STEM Day and involved its students in mentoring younger kids to design an outdoor classroom space at Johnston Elementary. According to him, “There’s much to celebrate with the staff and students at Nesbitt.”

Bringing Communities Together

The U.S. Department of Education’s recognition does more than just celebrate academic achievements; it serves as an inspiring model for other schools. U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona emphasized this point in the release, stating, “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.”

Each of the recognized schools will be awarded a flag that can be proudly displayed at the school, whether in an entryway or up on a flagpole. This evaluation for the award isn’t merely about test scores; the Department of Education considers a comprehensive range of data factors. Student performance data, subgroup performance, and graduation rates are all assessed as part of the evaluation process.

The Application Process

To be considered for the National Blue Ribbon School award, each nominated school must submit an extensive application. This application details the school’s culture, programs, assessments, instructional practices, professional development, leadership, and community engagement. Each year, up to 420 schools may be nominated, and nominations come from the top educational officials within states, the District of Columbia, U.S. territories, and other educational bodies.

Celebrating Success

As we take a moment to celebrate the achievements of Martin L. Nesbitt Jr. Discovery Academy and McDowell Early College, let’s remember the hard work and dedication from our educators, students, and community members that went into earning this distinguished recognition. It’s a strong reminder that with teamwork and creativity, we can pave the way for a brighter future for our children, ensuring that education remains the cornerstone of their growth.

Cheers to our local schools for this incredible achievement, and let’s keep the momentum going as we look to the future.