(9-24-24) The U.S. Department of Education today recognized 356 schools as the 2024 cohort of the National Blue Ribbon Schools, including 14 schools in Ohio. This prestigious recognition highlights schools that excel in academic performance or make significant strides in closing achievement gaps among different student groups.
Two Stateline area schools were selected, Columbus Grove Elementary School and the Ft. Loramie Jr./Sr. HS.
2024 National Blue Ribbon Schools
U.S. Department of Education You Tube Video
The Ohio schools named as National Blue Ribbon Schools were:
Ohio – Ashland – Reagan Elementary School, Ashland City.
Ohio – Broadview Heights – Brecksville-Broadview Heights High School, Brecksville-Broadview Heights City.
Ohio – Chagrin Falls – Chagrin Falls Middle School, Chagrin Falls Exempted Village.
Ohio – Columbiana – Columbiana South Side Middle School, Columbiana Exempted Village.
Ohio – Columbus Grove – Columbus Grove Elementary School, Columbus Grove Local.
Ohio – Creston – Norwayne Elementary School, Norwayne Local.
Ohio – Fort Loramie – Fort Loramie Junior-Senior High School, Fort Loramie Local.
Ohio – Hamilton – Morgan Elementary School, Ross Local Schools.
Ohio – Logan – Chieftain Elementary School, Logan-Hocking Local.
Ohio – Massillon – Tuslaw Middle School, Tuslaw Local Schools.
Ohio – Shadyside – Leona Ave Middle School, Shadyside Local.
Ohio – Steubenville – Harding Middle School, Steubenville City.
Ohio – Westerville – Whittier Elementary School, Westerville City.
Ohio – Willoughby Hills – School of Innovation, Willoughby-Eastlake City Schools.
U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona
“The National Blue Ribbon Schools Award is a testament to the exceptional achievements of students and educators at each of these schools.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 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.
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.
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, programs, assessments, instructional practices, professional development, leadership, family, and community involvement.
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.
Fort Loramie Junior-Senior High School – Fort Loramie, OH
2024 Awardee
Fort Loramie Junior-Senior High School
600 East Park Street
Fort Loramie, OH, 45845-9402
Principal at time of Nomination:
Mr. Kreg Hollenbacher
Fort Loramie Local
Rural
Mission
The goal of Fort Loramie Schools is to meet all state indicators, improve student performance indicators, and to strengthen student achievement in all subject areas.
Student Demographics
Asian: 1%White: 99%
Fort Loramie Junior/Senior High School is located in the rural town of Fort Loramie (Shelby County) which is in West Central Ohio. It is an area surrounded by churches, agriculture, and manufacturing businesses, many of which are family-owned. All three of those entities help shape the individuals who are blessed to reside there.
The lessons of faith and farming, along with a strong sense of work ethic, are naturally instilled in many of our students. The solid foundation that exists within our students allows us as a staff to build upon their potential, which is primarily accomplished by focusing on state standards and using the best practices in assessment. Combined, it allows our small school to produce big results, such as being ranked by US News & World Report, as the #2 Middle School in the state.
Our area business partners play a large part in assisting student progress as well. They heavily support fundraisers that assist our students in the classroom and on the field. Our collaborations range from belonging to Workforce Partnership, which exposes students to employment opportunities in the county, to partnering with the Upper Valley Career Center, which provides industry training, to hosting junior and senior students on a job shadow, or to providing scholarships for continued education; our businesses and community partners allow our students endless opportunities for career exploration, networking, and advancement. It truly is the support of all our stakeholders that makes our success possible.
Columbus Grove Elementary School – Columbus Grove, OH
Columbus Grove Elementary School
201 West Cross Street
Columbus Grove, OH, 45830-1237
Principal at time of Nomination:
Mr. Bradley Calvelage
Columbus Grove Local
Rural
Mission
Columbus Grove Elementary’s mission is to create a supportive and inclusive learning environment where every child feels valued, empowered, and inspired to reach their fullest potential. Our focus is to educate every student that walks through our doors regardless of any other factors.
Student Demographics
Hispanic: 12%White: 88%
Columbus Grove Elementary is located in the small town of Columbus Grove nestled in the farm lands of Putnam County. The school reflects the nature of the small town community and is designed to be academically rigorous and student-centered with the goal of educating and supporting every student that walks through our doors.
Columbus Grove Elementary is committed to its mission of educating each student, every day. Prioritizing relationships has been the cornerstone of Columbus Grove Elementary’s enduring success. Our commitment to fostering strong connections with students, families, staff, and the wider community defines our identity and guides our actions. Innovative practices such as Begindergarten, inclusive education, and flexible grouping exemplify our dedication to implementing new practices to best support the students at Columbus Grove Elementary. Collaborations with the community such as a mentorship program and a food for the weekend program provide support for our students outside of the classroom. We strive to engage and inspire our students, creating a supportive environment that nurtures their academic, social, and emotional growth. This holistic approach is fundamental to our belief in what a school should represent and achieve.
At Columbus Grove Elementary collaboration is an important part of what makes our school special. Our students begin moving between classrooms in flexible groups as early as first grade. Our teachers all have multiple common planning times per week which allows them to collaborate on lessons, review data, and find the most effective strategies to best meet the needs of our students.
Mercer County Outlook 