Minnesota Recognizes 8 Schools For Excellence After Feds End Blue Ribbon Program

ST. PAUL, MN — The Minnesota Department of Education has recognized eight Minnesota schools for excellence in academic performance and success closing achievement gaps, after the federal National Blue Ribbon Schools program was discontinued in 2025.

Education Commissioner Willie Jett recognized the schools this week at the Minnesota Elementary School Principals Association Institute.

Minnesota had nominated the schools for consideration as 2025 National Blue Ribbon Schools, but the U.S. Department of Education ended the long-running program before any national designations were announced.

The state moved forward with its own recognition to honor the schools’ work.

“These eight schools are doing outstanding work and deserve recognition,” Jett said in a statement, noting that Blue Ribbon schools have long served as models for improving student outcomes and narrowing gaps between student groups.

The schools were recognized across three categories: Exemplary High Performing Schools, Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing Schools, and schools earning both distinctions, a designation the department described as rare.

Schools recognized as Exemplary High Performing Schools are:

• Dakota Hills Middle School
• Pike Lake Elementary
• Valley Crossing Elementary School

Schools recognized as Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing Schools are:

• Browns Valley Elementary School
• Kennedy Elementary School

Schools earning recognition in both categories are:

• Forest Hills Elementary School
• Hassan Elementary
• Northfield Middle School

According to the department, Exemplary High Performing Schools rank among the state’s top performers on statewide assessments or nationally normed tests.

Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing Schools demonstrate strong progress in narrowing disparities between student groups and overall student achievement.

The National Blue Ribbon Schools program operated from 1982 through 2024 and recognized more than 9,000 public and non-public schools nationwide. Minnesota officials said the state-level recognition is intended to continue highlighting schools that exemplify both academic excellence and equity, even without a federal designation.