MARYLAND'S Blue Ribbon Schools Program
recognizes schools that exhibit sustained high performance and/or significant improvement in student achievement in mathematics and language arts or reading related State assessments. The program is administered by the Maryland State Department of Education. Maryland's winners are honored in the State and are entered into the National Blue Ribbon Schools competition. Public elementary, middle, and high schools are eligible.

WHAT ARE THE SELECTION CRITERIA?
There are two categories for Blue Ribbon
Schools. The first category encompasses high achieving schools. These must be in the top 10% of all Maryland schools in their school category (elementary, middle, high) as measured by at least three years of data on State assessments in mathematics, reading, or related language
arts areas. The second category includes improving schools which must have demonstrated dramatic gains in mathematics and reading or related areas as measured by at least three years of data on State assessments. These schools must also reflect economically disadvantaged
populations with, for example, a minimum of 40% of students qualifying for free and reduced-priced meals. Schools in this category must be in the top 40% of all Maryland schools in their category.


CAN WE APPLY FOR THE AWARD?
Based on Maryland's student population, The Maryland State Department of Education can identify only six schools that qualify for the NCLB/Blue Ribbon Schools Award. Using the criteria described, these six schools become Maryland Blue Ribbon Schools. They are then invited by the U.S. Secretary of Education to complete the national application and compete with other schools across the nation for National Blue Ribbon School honors.


WHAT HAPPENS WHEN WE BECOME A MARYLAND BLUE RIBBON SCHOOL?
Recognition immediately raises the status of Blue
Ribbon Schools. They are honored by the State
Superintendent, Governor, and numerous elected
officials at a State dinner in Annapolis. In addition,
schools are honored by the Maryland General Assembly with tributes on the floor of the House of Delegates and the Maryland Senate. Blue Ribbon Schools are also the subject of media attention and visits by state dignitaries.
Maryland Blue Ribbon Schools win the State Blue
Ribbon Flag. National winners are honored with the
NCLB/Blue Ribbon Flag and a National Conference
that includes the Secretary of Education and often the President.


HOW CAN I GET A LIST OF MARYLAND BLUE RIBBON SCHOOLS?
A listing of Maryland Blue Ribbon Schools by Year and other additional information can be obtained online at the following website:

2004 - 2005  Blue Ribbon School Bios