Countryside Elementary School earns the 2023 National Blue Ribbon Award

The U.S. Department of Education announced that Countryside Elementary School has been named a 2023 Blue Ribbon School of Excellence. Countryside Elementary School is one of only nine schools in Minnesota and 353 across the nation to be recognized this year. 

The Blue Ribbon program recognizes excellence in a school’s overall academic performance or progress in closing achievement gaps among student subgroups, according to the U.S. Department of Education.

To celebrate this outstanding achievement, representatives from Countryside Elementary School will be honored in a special ceremony scheduled for November 16 and 17, 2023, in Washington D.C. during the National Blue Ribbon award presentation.

Principal Karen Bergman expressed her deep gratitude for this prestigious award saying, "Receiving the 2023 Blue Ribbon School of Excellence is a testament to the unwavering dedication and collaborative spirit of our entire school community. This achievement would not have been possible without the hard work and commitment of our exceptional staff, dedicated students, and supportive families. Together, we have created a thriving learning environment that celebrates academic achievement and each and every student’s growth. This award celebrates our work to create ‘One Countryside’ and our collective determination to empower every student on their journey to success."

“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. 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. 

In recognition of this monumental achievement, a community-wide celebration will be held this spring. Details of the event will be announced later this year. 

For more information about Countryside Elementary School and the 2023 Blue Ribbon Schools Program, please visit U.S. Department of Education National Blue Ribbon Schools Program website.