Trump ended Blue Ribbon Schools program. NC continuing awards with these winners

Four North Carolina public schools, including two in Wake County, are being recognized as among the best in the state despite the Trump administration ending the prestigious Blue Ribbon Schools program.

On Aug. 29, the U.S. Department of Education announced it was ending the National Blue Ribbon Schools program after more than 40 years of awards. In response, the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction announced Monday the first four schools in the inaugural statewide Blue Ribbon Schools program: Apex Friendship Middle School, Henderson County Early College, Mills Park Middle School in Cary and Pinehurst Elementary School.

“This recognition reflects the hard work of educators, students, families and communities working together to ensure every child has access to high-quality learning,” State Superintendent Mo Green said in a news release. “We celebrate these schools for their growth, achievement and commitment to student success as North Carolina’s inaugural Blue Ribbon Schools award recipients.”

End of program is ‘returning education to the states’

The National Blue Ribbon Schools Program was created in 1982 by the Reagan administration to honor high-achieving public and private schools.

Since 1982, DPI says more than 9,000 schools, including 143 in North Carolina, were given awards by the Blue Ribbon program. The award announcements are usually met with fanfare and celebrations at schools.

Last year, Willow Springs Elementary in Wake County was among six North Carolina schools and 356 nationally to win the Blue Ribbon recognition, The News & Observer previously reported.

The U.S. Department of Education’s announcement of the program’s elimination came after states had notified schools they had won this year, Chalkbeat reported. The elimination of the program comes as the Trump administration is attempting to shut down the Education Department.

“In the spirit of Returning Education to the States, USED is ending its role in the program,” Department of Education Principal Deputy Secretary Madi Biedermann said in the Aug. 29 letter to state school leaders. “State leaders are best positioned to recognize excellence in local schools based on educational achievements that align with their communities’ priorities for academic accomplishment and improvement.

“Awards conceived by those closest to the communities and families served by local schools will do more to encourage meaningful reforms than a one-size-fits-all standard established by a distant bureaucracy in Washington, D.C.”

Biedermann encouraged states to recognize the 2025 nominees and to continue the program at the local level. She said states could adjust the program’s criteria instead of following the guidelines which say schools can win based on being exemplary high performing or exemplary achievement gap closing.

NC starts its own Blue Ribbon Schools program

Several states, including North Carolina, have announced they’re continuing the Blue Ribbon Schools program.

DPI says the North Carolina winners were nominated based on 2023-24 test results. DPI gave the reasons why the four schools won:

• Apex Friendship Middle: Known for its inclusive school culture and dedication to academic excellence, Apex Friendship Middle provides diverse learning opportunities and emphasizes social-emotional growth alongside academics
• Henderson County Early College: Located on the campus of Blue Ridge Community College in Flat Rock, Henderson County Early College offers students the opportunity to earn both a high school diploma and college credit. The school is recognized for its strong academic outcomes and its culture of high expectations and support.
• Mills Park Middle: One of the largest middle schools in the state, Mills Park in Cary is recognized for its outstanding academic performance, collaborative teaching practices, and focus on preparing students for future success.
• Pinehurst Elementary: Serving students in pre-K through fifth grade, Pinehurst Elementary is noted for its innovative instructional practices, commitment to the whole child, and strong community partnerships that enhance student learning.

All but Henderson County Early College were recognized in both the exemplary high performing and exemplary achievement gap closing categories. The winners will be recognized at the December State Board of Education meeting.

’Proud moment’ for Wake County Schools

Wake County school leaders celebrated having two of the four Blue Ribbon Schools.

“This recognition is a proud moment for our district,” Wake County Superintendent Robert Taylor said in a news release. “These schools have set a high bar, not just for academic performance, but for how we support every student’s growth. Their success reflects strong leadership, engaged families, and a deep commitment to excellence. I commend the staff, students, and school communities for their extraordinary work.”

The principals of both Wake winners also basked in the glow of the new accolades.

“This honor affirms the hard work, dedication, and collaborative spirit of our teachers, students, and families,” said Stephanie Raiford, principal of Mills Park Middle. “We strive to support every student’s academic, social, and emotional growth.”

David Cassady, principal of Apex Friendship Middle, said the honor “reflects the heart of who we are at Apex Friendship.

“This award speaks to our school’s vision – uncovering brilliance by growing hearts and minds – and the caring, inclusive culture we’ve built together,” Cassady said. “We are proud to represent our community with this recognition.”