Rexburg elementary school honored as National Blue Ribbon School

U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos recognized two Idaho schools as National Blue Ribbon Schools for 2018.

The Blue Ribbon schools, both nominated in December as Exemplary High Performing Schools, are Lincoln Elementary in the Madison School District and Garwood Elementary in the Lakeland District.

Both schools are covered by Title IA, a federal program that provides funding to help students who are most at risk meet state academic standards and be proficient on state assessments.

Lincoln Elementary outperformed 92.6 percent of other Idaho schools in the percentage of students meeting or exceeding proficiency in English language arts and mathematics in 2017, and Garwood Elementary outperformed 88.6 percent of other Idaho schools by the same measure.

Lincoln greatly increased its participation rate in English language arts assessment from 84.9 percent in 2015 to 98.7 percent in 2017, exceeding the state requirement of 95 percent.

“I’m pleased to celebrate with you as your school is named a National Blue Ribbon School,” U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos said in a video message to the honorees. “We recognize and honor your important work in preparing students for successful careers and meaningful lives. Congratulations on your students’ accomplishments and for your extraordinary commitment to meeting their unique needs.”

Lincoln Elementary, a K-4 school, partners with Brigham-Young University-Idaho for expanded learning opportunities within walking distance of the school. With a high number of parents who are university students, Madison County has the highest poverty rate in Idaho, but families consistently support the school district’s levies and bonds, according to nomination materials.

Now in its 36th year, the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program has bestowed recognition on more than 8,800 schools.