U.S. Secretary of Education John B. King Jr. will honor representatives of the nation’s 330 National Blue Ribbon Schools for 2016, gathered Nov. 7-8 at the Crystal Gateway Marriott in Arlington, Virginia. During the opening session on Monday, Nov. 7, the Secretary will offer congratulatory remarks and participate in an extended question-and-answer session.
The ceremony also includes special leadership awards in the name of former Secretary of Education Terrel H. Bell. The Secretary will recognize eight principals with the Bell Award for their outstanding leadership in fostering successful teaching and learning at their schools.
The National Blue Ribbon Schools Program honors public and private elementary, middle and high schools whose students achieve at very high levels or have made significant progress and helped close achievement gaps, especially among disadvantaged students.
Representatives from the schools will be available to the news media. A list of the 2016 National Blue Ribbon Schools is available at http://www.ed.gov/nationalblueribbonschools.
The Obama Administration strongly believes that every child deserves the opportunity to succeed, and education is crucial to the economic strength and security of our nation and communities. The Department’s work is focused on ensuring all students receive an education that prepares them for success in life and their career, through programs including Promise Neighborhoods, School Improvement Grants, Race to the Top, and ConnectED, as well as ED’s work to expand access to preschool and make college more affordable.