The Texas Education Agency has announced that 26 public schools in Texas have been awarded the National Blue Ribbon honor for 2023. The United States Department of Education selected a total of 353 schools nationwide to receive this prestigious recognition.

"These schools are a shining example of the great things happening in classrooms across Texas," said the Texas Education Agency.

The National Blue Ribbon Schools Program aims to highlight the academic excellence of both public and private schools, from elementary to high school level, that have excelled in helping their students succeed. Since its inception in 1982, the program has awarded over 10,000 honors to more than 9,700 schools across America. This award serves as recognition for the hard work and dedication of educators, families, and entire communities that contribute to student success.

Of the 353 schools recognized for 2023, 313 are public schools and the remaining 40 are private schools. These schools represent 46 states in America, the District of Columbia, and even a Department of Defense Education Activity school based in Italy. The awardees include a range of school types, such as charter, magnet, parochial, independent, and traditional schools. This diversity of schools highlights the specific efforts that each institution undertakes to close achievement gaps among different groups of students.

All 353 Blue Ribbon award recipients, including the 26 Texas schools, will be celebrated at a ceremony in Washington D.C. on Nov. 16 and 17. The annual event not only recognizes the achievements of American schools but also provides opportunities for school representatives to network and learn from each other to promote further growth. Each recipient will receive a plaque and a National Blue Ribbon School flag to proudly display at their respective schools.