Sterlington Elementary School was recognized on Monday as a National Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education.
Sterlington Elementary, under the leadership of Principal Kambra Wilkes, is one of just 356 schools nationally to receive the recognition, which highlights schools that excel in academic performance or make significant strides in closing achievement gaps among different student groups.
“This award is a reflection of all the people who enter our campus every day,” Wilkes said. “We’re just so proud of how our faculty and staff come together as a team to make things like this happen for our students.”
Sterlington Elementary is the fourth school in the Ouachita Parish School System – and second in a consecutive year – to receive this prestigious honor. Boley Elementary was named a National Blue Ribbon School last year. George Welch Elementary also received the honor in 2006 and A.L. Smith (now Sterlington Elementary) was recognized in 2004.
Sterlington Elementary was one of seven schools in the state of Louisiana, including four traditional public schools, to receive the recognition in 2024.
"Sterlington Elementary has long been a high-performing school in Louisiana and we are super excited that the hard work of the staff and students at SES is being recognized on a national level,” Ouachita Parish Schools Superintendent Todd Guice said. "We look forward to them being recognized in Washington, D.C. on November 7th, alongside some of the best schools in the country."
The 2024 National Blue Ribbon Schools reflect the full diversity of American education and serve students from all backgrounds. While awardees represent a wide array of schools, they share common traits. National Blue Ribbon Schools are led by leaders who articulate a clear vision of instructional excellence and uphold high standards. They showcase effective teaching methods and offer robust professional development for their staff. Data-driven instruction is a hallmark, and there is a concerted effort to ensure every student succeeds. Collaboration among families, communities, and educators is a key component of their success.
“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. As we celebrate their achievements, let us look to these schools for inspiration as we champion education as the foundation of a brighter future for every child.”
The Department recognizes all schools based on student performance data including assessment results, student subgroup performance and graduation rates. Schools are recognized in both or either of two performance categories:
• Exemplary High Performing Schools: These schools are among the top performers in their state as measured by state assessments or nationally normed tests.
• Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing Schools: These schools excel in narrowing achievement gaps between different student groups and the overall student body. Each nominated school submits a comprehensive application detailing its school culture, curriculum, assessments, instructional practices, professional development, leadership, family, and community involvement.
Sterlington Elementary was lauded for narrowing the achievement gaps for all student groups, including exemplary work with special education students.
“The teachers, staff and administration have worked so hard to support our students, and this is a testament to their dedication,” said former Sterlington principal Katy Wheeler, who is now the Director of Elementary Schools for Ouachita Parish. “We are so excited to celebrate with Sterlington Elementary and acknowledge what they do for our children and this community.”
A National Blue Ribbon School award flag displayed in a school’s entryway or on a flagpole is a widely recognized emblem of exceptional teaching and learning. These schools serve as models of effective and innovative practices for educators across the nation.
Up to 420 schools may be nominated each year. The Department invites nominations for the National Blue Ribbon Schools award from the top education official 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.
Additional settings for Safari Browser.
