Very few schools are recognized with this honor at a state level let alone a national level. Thorntown was asked by the State Department of Education to complete an application last winter. Once that was turned in and approved, they then had to meet Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP). All of this became a reality this week as Thorntown Elementary School (1 of 8 Indiana schools) received a letter from the US Department of Education declaring them as a National Blue Ribbon School! On behalf of the School Board and our community, congratulations and we are very proud of your accomplishments! This is a special award not only for Thorntown Elementary School but for all of the Western Boone Schools! What a great place for students to learn!
The schools-254 public and 50 private-will be honored at an awards ceremony Nov. 15-16 in Washington, D.C. In the past 28 years, only 6,000 of America's schools have received this coveted award.
Blue Ribbon honors public and private elementary, middle and high schools whose students achieve at very high levels or have made significant progress and helped close gaps in achievement especially among disadvantaged and minority students. Each year since 1982, the U.S. Department of Education has sought out schools where students attain and maintain high academic goals, including those that beat the odds.
"Our nation has a responsibility to help all children realize their full potential. Schools honored with the Blue Ribbon Schools award are committed to achievement and to ensuring that students learn and succeed. Their work reflects the conviction that every child has promise and must receive a quality education." -Arne Duncan, Secretary of Education