Their hard work, dedication and commitment should serve as a model for other communities that are deeply concerned about the education of America's students. The 181 public and 17 private schools recognized this year are in 43 states and the Department of Defense Education Agency. The schools were nominated by state education agencies, the Department of Defense and the Council for American Private Education. Each nominating agency has an assigned Blue Ribbon Schools program liaison who provides materials and information during the application process. Selection of Blue Ribbon Schools is based on an evaluation of written materials from the nominated schools and the reports of experienced principals and teachers who visit the nominated schools.
Reviewers make recommendations to the secretary for final selection.
Elementary and secondary schools participate in alternate years with middle schools participating in the program with high schools. Schools selected for recognition have conducted a thorough self-evaluation, involving administrators, teachers, students, parents and community representatives in the completion of their nomination forms. This process included assessing their strengths and weaknesses and developing strategic plans for the future.