Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

September 27, 2005

Six Schools Win National "Blue Ribbon" Honors

Six public elementary schools in Missouri have been honored by the U.S. Department of Education as 2004-05 Blue Ribbon Schools.

They are among 295 public and private schools across the country to be recognized, based on their academic performance last year. Secretary of Education Margaret Spellings announced the awards Sept. 23. Missouri’s "No Child Left Behind" Blue Ribbon Schools are:

• Gideon Elementary School, Gideon School District

• Jefferson Elementary School, Jefferson C-123 School District,
  Conception Junction

• Matthews Elementary School, New Madrid County R-I School District

• Meramec Elementary School, Clayton School District

• Old Bonhomme Elementary School, Ladue School District

• Osage Beach Elementary School, Camdenton School District

Blue Ribbon Schools are recognized for high academic achievement (in the top 10 percent on state tests) or for making dramatic progress in academic performance.

At Gideon and Matthews Elementary Schools, more than 40 percent of the students are disadvantaged, but both schools were honored for making outstanding academic progress.

The other four Missouri schools were honored for maintaining their high levels of student achievement. Jefferson Elementary School also has a high proportion of students (more than 40 percent) who are eligible for free or reduced-price meals.

Representatives of the winning Missouri schools will be invited to take part in formal recognition ceremonies in Washington, D.C., on November 10-11.