The United States Department of Education has recognized the San Francisco New Orleans District’s Saint Paul’s School as a National Blue Ribbon School for 2021.
This is the school’s second National Blue Ribbon award for excellence in teaching and learning, having also been named a recipient in 2015.
Saint Paul’s is one of only four high schools in Louisiana and one of 23 private schools in the nation to receive the distinction this year.
The National Blue Ribbon Schools Program, now in its 39th year, honors schools which have achieved high levels of academic performance. In order for a nonpublic school such as Saint Paul’s to be recognized as “Exemplary High Performing,” student achievement in math and English must be among the highest in the country, the top 15%, as measured by state and nationally normed tests.
Acknowledging the accomplishment of Saint Paul’s School and the 324 Blue Ribbon honorees nationwide, Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona stated, “This year’s cohort of honorees demonstrates what is possible when committed educators and school leaders create vibrant, welcoming, and affirming school cultures where rich teaching and learning can flourish.”
Students and faculty celebrate their Blue Ribbon award with blue popsicles, courtesy the SPS Brothers.
Cardona continued, “I commend this school and all our Blue Ribbon honorees for working to keep students healthy and safe while meeting their academic, social, emotional, and mental health needs. In the face of unprecedented circumstances, you found creative ways to engage, care for, protect, and teach our children. Blue Ribbon Schools have so much to offer and can serve as a model for other schools and communities so that we can truly build back better.”
Saint Paul’s School will be honored at an awards ceremony November 4 – 5 in National Harbor, Maryland. Principal Trevor Watkins, AFSC, and Assistant Principal Joe Dickens will attend to receive the plaque and National Blue Ribbon School flag signifying exemplary status. A celebration for the Saint Paul’s School community is currently being planned and will be held in November.
