325 schools were recognized as National Blue Ribbon Schools for 2021, including one school in Alaska. The recognition is based on a school’s overall academic performance or progress in closing achievement gaps among student subgroups. U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona made the announcement during his Return to School Road Trip, while visiting an awardee school.
The Alaska school named as a National Blue Ribbon School was Soldotna Montessori Charter School in the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District.
Principal John DeVolld told KSRM:
“Well, you know, I would say, one, it’s just a great honor for us and it’s just the work of our staff and our families and our students that they come in and work everyday. They love what they do. They love our community, our school community. They pitch in and help out and it’s just a great honor.”
In being chosen, DeVolld said:
“We were nominated by the state of Alaska based on the metrics for how we performed on our state assessment. Once that nomination was made, we were given the opportunity and then last year, we spent time going through the application process, which was quite extensive and challenging, but is really a rewarding experience to kind of go through and look at all the wonderful things that we do as a school that help our students out. It was fun to do in the midst of a COVID situation. When things were hard, we got to reflect on all of the things that were good, too.”
Congrats to Soldotna Montessori Charter School for being named Alaska’s only National Blue Ribbon School for 2021! Your mission to raise the next generation of Alaska’s scholars and leaders is commendable! https://t.co/mglDCC2u9H#akgov #Alaska #blueribbonschool #education
— Governor Mike Dunleavy (@GovDunleavy) September 21, 2021
DeVolld speaks very highly about the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District:
“You know, we have a fantastic district and to be a part of that and to have a school that represents our district well and represents our community well, I think that’s the biggest takeaway for me. We have a lot of support from our families. We have a lot of support from our community. Those are the things that allow our schools to succeed. I feel like that’s an important message to get out.”
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. Schools are recognized in one of two performance categories, based on all student scores, subgroup students scores and graduation rates – exemplary high-performing schools and exemplary achievement gap-closing schools.
