Maryville Elementary named one of nation’s Exemplary High performing Schools

By Devese “Dee” Ursery

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MARYVILLE — The U.S. The Department of Education named Maryville Elementary School the 2024 National Blue Ribbon School and the Village of Maryville honors them with their own special day. Miguel Cardona, U.S. Secretary of Education made the announcement.

During a recent Maryville Village Meeting Mayor Craig Short proclaimed Oct. 2 as Maryville Elementary School Day to celebrate the incredible achievement of being named a National Blue Ribbon School. Short presented a copy of the decree to Collinsville Unit School District 10 Superintendent Dr. Brad Skertich and Maryville Principal Doug Kirk.  

Short said the Maryville community is proud of the school’s national recognition for its academic achievements. “Maryville Elementary is one of 18 schools in the State of Illinois this year to earn this honor and one of 356 nationally,” Short continued.

Maryville Elementary School’s mission is to provide high quality education in a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment that ensures academic excellence and builds a foundation for life-long learning.

“The National Blue Ribbon Schools Award is a testament to the exceptional achievements of students and educators at each of these schools,” said Cardona. “The 2024 National Blue Ribbon Schools are raising the bar for our nation’s students, serving as for effective teaching and the intentional in their schools and communities.” 

Cardona stated that although these achievements are rightfully celebrated these schools should be looked upon for inspiration as we strive to support education as the foundation of a brighter future for every child. 

The National Blue Ribbon Schools Program is one of the U.S. Department of Education’s longest-running recognition programs. NBRS recognizes outstanding public and non-public elementary, middle, and high schools based on their overall high academic achievement or success in closing the achievement gap among diverse groups of students.  

Since its inception in 1982, the goals of the program are to shine a spotlight on the best schools in the United States and to share best practices of outstanding schools across the country.

The Department of Education invites nominations for the National Blue Ribbon Schools award from the top education officials in all states, the District of Columbia, U.S. territories, the Department of Defense Education Activity and the Bureau of Indian Education. Private schools are nominated by the Council for American Private Education, per a CUSD 10 press release.

Each nominated school must submit an extensive application detailing its school culture, programs, assessments, instructional practices, professional development, Leadership, family and community involvement. 

Each year, the U.S. Department of Education honors the National Blue Ribbon Schools at the awards ceremony in Washington, D.C. At the ceremony, each school receives a plaque and flag to signify its exemplary status. These schools serve as examples for other schools throughout the nation and details of their achievements are shared on the U.S. Department of Education’s website.

“I’m very happy for all of our students, families and staff, they are always willing to play an active role in supporting our school.” Kirk said. “Our strong PTA and community stakeholders have helped create a cohesive learning community in Maryville.”

The Department of  Education recognizes all schools based on student performance data, including assessment results, student subgroup performance and graduation rates. Maryville is recognized as an Exemplary High Performance School. These schools are among the top performers in their state as measured by state assessments or nationally normed tests

“I want to recognize the hard work and dedication of our incredible staff, students and families at Maryville Elementary,” Skertich said. “ Their commitment to high achievement and fostering social and emotional growth in students is truly commendable.”