SAINT PAUL, Minn. – This week, the U.S. Department of Education announced the 2023 recipients of the National Blue Ribbon School awards. Countryside Elementary School in Edina was one of nine Minnesota recipients this year.
Rep. Cheryl Youakim (DFL – Hopkins), chair of the House Education Finance Committee, and Rep. Heather Edelson (DFL – Edina) applauded the school for earning the award.
“I’m incredibly excited a school in our community received such a prestigious honor. This award recognizes the dedication from teachers, students, parents, administrators, and support staff.” Rep. Youakim said. “Countryside is committed to a positive school climate, academic excellence, collaboration with families and the community, and supporting their students through social-emotional learning.”
“This is a well-deserved award for Countryside which has long been committed to providing the best education possible,” said Rep. Edelson. “It is incredibly valuable to have a strong example of an institution committed to providing a holistic education in our community. We can take lessons learned from Countryside’s success and apply them throughout our district. Congratulations to everyone who worked to make this award a reality!”
The National Blue Ribbon Schools Program recognizes public and private elementary, middle, and high schools based on their overall academic excellence or their progress in closing achievement gaps. The 2023 list of 353 recipients nationwide is the 40th such cohort in the history of the program, which has given more than 10,000 awards to over 9,700 schools, with some receiving multiple awards.
National Blue Ribbon Schools serve as models of effective and innovative school practices for state and district educators and other schools throughout the nation. Awardee schools share common elements including a vision of excellence holding everyone to high standards, a demonstrated record of effective and innovative teaching and learning, and value and support of teachers and staff through meaningful professional learning.