NATCHITOCHES – Northwestern State University’s Elementary Lab School has been recognized as a 2023 National Blue Ribbon School based on the school’s overall academic performance and progress in closing achievement gaps among student groups on assessments. The U.S. Department of Education recognized a total of 353 schools across the nation.

NSU Elementary Lab is part of the Gallaspy College of Education and Human Development and provides access for future teachers to observe and actively participate in real world classroom situations

“I am incredibly proud to announce that our school has been honored with the prestigious National Blue Ribbon Award by the U.S. Department of Education,” said Caron Coleman, principal.  “This recognition reflects the dedication and hard work of our amazing students, devoted teachers, supportive parents and the entire school community.  It is a testament to our unwavering commitment to providing a top-quality education that fosters a love for learning, creativity and excellence in every child.  This achievement affirms our mission to nurture well-rounded, responsible citizens.  We will continue to strive for academic excellence and create a nurturing environment where excellence is expected of everyone.  Thank you to everyone who contributed to this remarkable accomplishment.  Simply put, I am proud.”

“The honorees for our 2023 National Blue Ribbon Schools Award have set a national example for what it means to raise the bar in education,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona.  “The leaders, educators and staff at our National Blue Ribbon schools continually inspire me with their dedication to fostering academic excellence and building positive school cultures that support students of all backgrounds to thrive academically, socially and emotionally.”

With its 40th cohort, the National Blue Ribbon Schools program has bestowed approximately 10,000 awards to 9,700 schools.  The National Blue Ribbon School award affirms and validates the hard work of students, educators, families and communities in striving for and attaining exemplary achievement. National Blue Ribbon Schools represent the full diversity of American schools and serve students of every background.

While awardee schools represent the diverse fabric of American schools, they also share some core elements.  National Blue Ribbon School leaders articulate a vision of excellence and hold everyone to high standards.  They demonstrate effective and innovative teaching and learning, and the schools value and support teachers and staff through meaningful professional learning. Data from many sources are used to drive instruction and every student strives for success.  Families, communities and educators work together toward common goals.

The Department of Education recognizes all schools in one of two performance categories, based on all student scores, subgroup student scores and graduation rates:

  • Exemplary high-performing schools are among their state’s highest performing schools as measured by state assessments or nationally normed tests.
  • Exemplary achievement gap-closing schools are among their state’s highest performing schools in closing achievement gaps between a school’s student groups and all students. Nominated schools also complete an extensive narrative application describing their school culture and philosophy, curriculum, assessments, instructional practices, professional development, leadership structures and parent and community involvement.