Mitchell Road Elementary Named National Blue Ribbon School

U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona today announced Mitchell Road Elementary School among the 297 National Blue Ribbon Schools for 2022. The recognition is based on the school’s overall academic excellence or its progress in closing achievement gaps among student subgroups. This is the second time Mitchell Road Elementary has received this distinguished honor.

“I am extremely proud of the students, staff and community at Mitchell Road Elementary School,” said Superintendent Dr. W. Burke Royster. “This honor speaks highly of their dedication to fostering outstanding student achievement, connecting with the community, and welcoming strong parental involvement, all of which create a successful learning environment worthy of the nationally recognized Blue Ribbon.”

“Mitchell Road Elementary thrives on a philosophy that relationships matter and focuses on forming long-lasting partnerships with students, families and the community,” shares Principal Jennifer Holman. “In 2019, we became a Capturing Kids Hearts (CKH) school and committed to the CKH motto that ‘If you have a child’s heart, you have a child’s mind.’ This guides everything we do and ensures that our school culture is focused on making all students feel valued.”

Greenville County Schools has 17 previous National Blue Ribbon Schools winners. They are A.J. Whittenberg Elementary (2020), Augusta Circle Elementary (1994), Bakers Chapel Elementary (1992), Bethel Elementary (1996 and 2016), Brushy Creek Elementary (1997), Buena Vista Elementary (1990), Crestview Elementary (2008), Hillcrest Middle (1985), League Academy (1983), Mauldin High (1985), Mitchell Road Elementary (2001), Oakview Elementary (2000 and 2006), Pelham Road Elementary (1997), Skyland Elementary (2017), Taylors Elementary (1997), Tigerville Elementary (2018), and Wade Hampton High (2016).

The National Blue Ribbon Schools Program honors public and private elementary, middle, and high schools where students achieve very high learning standards or are making notable improvements in closing the achievement gap. The award affirms the hard work of students, educators, families, and communities in creating safe and welcoming schools where students master challenging content. The National Blue Ribbon Schools flag gracing a school’s building is a widely recognized symbol of exemplary teaching and learning. National Blue Ribbon Schools are an inspiration and a model for schools still striving for excellence.

Now in its 39th year, the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program has bestowed this coveted award on more than 9,000 schools, including some schools that won multiple awards. The Education Department recognizes all schools in one of two performance categories, based on all student scores, student subgroup scores and graduation rates:

• Exemplary High Performing Schools are among their state’s highest performing schools as measured by state assessments or nationally normed tests.
• Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing Schools are among their state’s highest performing schools in closing achievement gaps between a school’s subgroups and all students over the past five years.

“I applaud all the honorees for the 2022 National Blue Ribbon Schools Award for creating vibrant, welcoming, and affirming school communities where students can learn, grow, reach their potential, and achieve their dreams,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona. “As our country continues to recover from the pandemic, we know that our future will only be as strong as the education we provide to all of our children. Blue Ribbon Schools have gone above and beyond to keep students healthy and safe while meeting their academic, social, emotional, and mental health needs. These schools show what is possible to make an enduring, positive difference in students’ lives.”