Three Rhode Island Schools Receive National Blue Ribbon Award

Published on Monday, September 23, 2024

PROVIDENCE, RI – The U.S. Department of Education has named Garvin Memorial Elementary School in Cumberland, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Elementary School in Providence, and Sowams Elementary School in Barrington as National Blue Ribbon Schools for 2024, honoring the three schools’ significant academic achievements. Garvin Memorial and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. schools are recognized as Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing Schools, while Sowams Elementary School is an Exemplary High Performing School. State leaders applauded the schools for their recognition.  

"We are incredibly proud of our schools being recognized as National Blue Ribbon Schools. This achievement reflects the dedication of our educators, students, and families to improving student outcomes,” said Governor Dan McKee. “Congratulations to the Barrington, Cumberland, and Providence education communities on this tremendous achievement.” 

"As our newest National Blue Ribbon Schools, Garvin Memorial, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and Sowams Elementary exemplify what is possible when we prioritize equity and high standards for every student," said Commissioner Angélica Infante-Green. “We applaud these school communities and remain committed to building on this success to ensure all Rhode Island students have the opportunity to achieve at the highest levels.” 

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 serve as models of effective school practices for state and district educators and other schools throughout the nation. A National Blue Ribbon School flag gracing a school’s entryway or on a flagpole is a widely recognized symbol of exemplary teaching and learning. The U.S. 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.  

“We are beyond proud of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Elementary School for being named a National Blue Ribbon School. This prestigious recognition highlights the tireless efforts of our educators, students, and families in closing the achievement gap and building a brighter future for all our learners,” said PPSD Superintendent Dr. Javier Montañez. “This honor reaffirms PPSD and RIDE’s commitment to ensuring every child in Providence has access to an equitable, high-quality education that prepares them for success. Congratulations!” 

“We are honored to be recognized as a National Blue Ribbon School, a testament to the unwavering dedication of our teachers, staff, students, and families,” said Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Elementary Principal Kristen Lussier. “Our school community has worked tirelessly to close the achievement gap and create a supportive, inclusive environment where every student can thrive. This recognition reinforces our commitment to continuing this important work and ensuring success for all our learners.” 

“Being named a Blue Ribbon School is a fantastic achievement for Sowams Elementary School,” said BPS Superintendent Robert Wargo. “It’s a testament to the hard work and dedication of the staff, students, and community. Celebrating such excellence in education is important, and it shows a commitment to fostering a supportive learning environment.” 

“I am incredibly proud of our Sowams School community,” said Sowams Elementary Principal Jim Callahan. “The National Blue Ribbon recognition epitomizes the dedication and commitment of our faculty and staff, the hard work and perseverance of our students, and the trust and support of our families. It's an honor to work each day with every member of our Sowams community, all of whom deserve this acknowledgement.” 

“The Blue Ribbon recognition is a tremendous achievement and a well-deserved honor for Garvin Memorial School.” said CPS Superintendent Dr. Philip D. Thornton. "The consistent focus on student proficiency and the strong teamwork approach make this a very special award. Cumberland is very proud to have Garvin be the third school in the district to attain this designation since 2017." 

“We are so grateful to be recognized for this prestigious award. The teachers and staff at Garvin have worked tirelessly to address achievement gaps through their instruction every school day. Teacher collaboration through Common Planning Time has helped us determine specific needs that our Special Educators and Interventionists have targeted during small group instruction,” said Garvin Memorial Elementary Principal Michelle Carter. “We promote a positive learning culture across the school and help students continuously achieve success. We are proud of our students’ hard work and effort. Their progress and determination are truly admirable and deserving of this recognition. It is an honor to serve this community, and we can’t wait to celebrate as a whole school.” 

The Rhode Island recipients of the award are 3 of only 356 schools nationwide selected to join more than 10,000 schools who have been recognized by the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program since its inception in 1982. Up to 420 schools may be nominated each year. You can learn more about this year’s winners here; photographs and brief descriptions of the 2024 National Blue Ribbon Schools are available here. 

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