Swampscott High Named National Blue Ribbon School

The following is from the U.S. Dept. of Education:

U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos today recognized 349 schools as National Blue Ribbon
Schools for 2018. The recognition is based on a school’s overall academic performance or progress in
closing achievement gaps among student subgroups.

“I'm pleased to celebrate with you as Swampscott High School l is named a National Blue Ribbon
School,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos in a video message to the honorees. “We
recognize and honor your important work in preparing students for successful careers and meaningful
lives. Congratulations on your students' accomplishments and for your extraordinary commitment to
meeting their unique needs.”

The coveted National Blue Ribbon Schools award affirms the hard work of educators, families and
communities in creating safe and welcoming schools where students master challenging and engaging
content.

Now in its 36th year, the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program has bestowed recognition on more
than 8,800 schools. On November 7-8, the Secretary and the Department of Education will celebrate
with 300 public and 49 private school honorees at an awards ceremony in Washington, D.C.

All schools are honored 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 over
the past five years.

Up to 420 schools may be nominated each year. The Department invites National Blue Ribbon School
nominations from the top education official in all states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the
Virgin Islands, the Department of Defense Education Activity and the Bureau of Indian Education.
Private schools are nominated by The Council for American Private Education (CAPE).

Courtesy photo