FRANKFORT, Ky. — The U.S. Department of Education named seven Kentucky schools 2024 National Blue Ribbon Schools for their academic excellence. 

The schools are among 356 across the country receiving the distinction, which the Kentucky Department of Education said is based on a school's overall academic performance or progress in closing achievement gaps among student groups. 

Five public schools and two private schools were named Blue Ribbon winners, including the following: 

• Corbin Middle School (Corbin Independent)
• Cold Hill Elementary School (Laurel County)
• Lone Oak Elementary School (McCracken County)
• Northern Elementary School (Pulaski County)
• Shirley Mann Elementary School (Boone County)
• Holy Cross District High School, Diocese of Covington
• Saint Albert the Great School, Archdiocese of Louisville

"I congratulate and thank our newest Blue Ribbon Schools for their hard work to ensure every student has the skills they need for a successful future," said Kentucky Commissioner of Education Robbie Fletcher. "This award highlights the commitment to excellence that teachers, staff, families and communities have, as well as their dedication to be 'All In' for their students."

The National Blue Ribbon Schools program has become a symbol of exemplary teaching and learning. It recognizes schools in one of two performance categories, based on all student scores, subgroup student scores and graduation rates:

• Exemplary High-Performing Schools: Among the state's highest performing schools as measured by state assessments or nationally normed tests
• Exemplary Achievement Gap-Closing Schools: Among the state's highest performing schools in closing achievement gaps between a school's student groups and all students

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

Schools will be recognized at an awards ceremony in Washington, D.C., later this school year, the Kentucky Department of Education said. More information on the program and past Kentucky winners can be found on USED's website.