WT Clarke High School Named National Blue Ribbon School

WT Clarke High School was just named a National Blue Ribbon School, an honor bestowed upon only 349 schools across the country.

The Blue Ribbon program recognizes schools for overall academic excellence, or for a school's progress in closing achievement gaps between students.

“I'm pleased to celebrate with you as your school 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.”

Besides Clarke, three other Long Island schools were honored this year: Sayville High School, Elwood High School and South Side High School. Clarke was recognized as an Exemplary High Performing School.

In total, there were 20 schools honored in New York, the third-highest in the state. Only Texas and Illinois had more schools honored. They were both tied with 24 Blue Ribbon schools.

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 national 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.

Photo courtesy East Meadow School District