Walnut Grove Elementary Named Blue Ribbon School

FRANKLIN, TN — Walnut Grove Elementary is one of only six schools in the state and 329 nationally to be named a Blue Ribbon School for 2016.

"National Blue Ribbon Schools are proof that we can prepare every child for college and meaningful careers," U.S. Secretary of Education John B. King Jr. said. "Your schools are on the cutting edge, pioneering innovative educational practices—professional learning communities, project-based learning, social and emotional learning, positive behavior systems—making you shining examples for your communities, your state and the nation."

The National Blue Ribbon Schools Program honors public and private schools where students achieve very high learning standards or are making notable improvements in closing the achievement gap. Since it began in 1982, the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program has bestowed the award on fewer than 8,500 schools.

Brentwood Middle School was also awarded this year.

“Two of the six schools in Tennessee to receive this honor are Williamson County schools,” said Williamson County Schools Superintendent Dr. Mike Looney. “This is a major achievement, and I am so proud of the students and staff at Brentwood Middle and Walnut Grove. As a district, we now have nine schools to reach this milestone, including eight in the last five years.”

Walnut Grove Elementary principal Dr. Kate Donnelly said the award would not have been possible without the commitment of all the students, staff and parents.

“We are delighted and honored to be recognized as a 2016 Blue Ribbon School,” said Donnelly. “The Blue Ribbon signifies the hard work and dedication of our talented faculty, the ongoing support of our parents and community, and the exceptional spirit of our wonderful students.”

Walnut Grove and the other schools will be honored during a recognition ceremony November 7-8 in Washington, D.C.

Grassland Middle was named a National Blue Ribbon School in 2004; Brentwood Middle received the award in 2006; Page High won the award in 2011; Hillsboro, Kenrose and Trinity received the award in 2014; and Clovercroft and Ravenwood won the award in 2015.

Image via Williamson County Schools