The 2024 list is here, and these suburban schools scored top marks!
When families move to the suburbs, finding the right school for their children is often at the top of the priority list. For many, this search includes exploring school rankings and seeking out schools with impressive designations, such as the National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence. The Blue Ribbon designation, awarded by the U.S. Department of Education, recognizes schools for their overall academic excellence or significant progress in closing achievement gaps, making it a key factor for parents looking to ensure a top-tier education.
If you’re starting or continuing your search – and if A+ schools top your “must have” list – check out the latest Blue Ribbon Schools, announced this week.
NYC Suburbs:
- Blind Brook High School, Blind Brook-Rye Union Free School District: Blind Brook High School is renowned for its small class sizes, personalized learning environment, and strong academic programs, consistently ranking among the top public high schools in New York.
- Scarsdale High School, Scarsdale Union Free School District: Scarsdale High School is a leader in academic excellence. It offers an extensive range of Advanced Placement courses and strongly emphasizes preparing students for top-tier colleges.
- South Grove Elementary School, Syosset Central School District: South Grove Elementary is known for its strong academic performance and supportive learning environment, which emphasizes individualized instruction and student well-being.
- Lakeville Elementary School, Great Neck Union Free School District: Lakeville Elementary School is celebrated for its diverse student body and commitment to academic excellence. It offers a robust curriculum that supports academic and social-emotional growth.
South Florida:
- George Washington Carver Middle School, Coral Gables, Miami-Dade County Public Schools: A magnet school renowned for its international language programs in French, German, Italian, and Spanish, as well as its comprehensive STEAM curriculum that integrates arts and music into science and technology education.
- Somerset Academy Davie Charter School, Davie, Broward School District: This small, close-knit charter school has been recognized multiple times as a National Blue Ribbon School. It is known for its rigorous curriculum and strong community support, which foster a family-like atmosphere for its students.
- True North Classical Academy, Miami, Miami-Dade Charter School: The first classical education charter school in Miami, known for its rigorous academic standards and strong emphasis on moral development, with a 100% college enrollment rate among its graduates.
- A.D. Henderson and Florida Atlantic University High School, Boca Raton, FL: This innovative K-12 school blends academic excellence with a unique college preparatory experience. Florida Atlantic University High School offers students the chance to earn college credits while still in high school, providing a rigorous academic pathway designed to foster leadership and innovation. The school’s partnership with Florida Atlantic University sets it apart, making it a standout choice for families looking for top-tier education.
- Somerset Academy Davie Charter School (Elementary), Davie, FL: Known for its tight-knit community and individualized learning approach, Somerset Academy Davie has been recognized multiple times as a Blue Ribbon School. With a small student body, the school offers a family-like atmosphere where students thrive academically. The focus on creating a nurturing, inclusive environment helps foster both personal and academic growth, preparing students for future success.
Boston:
- A. E. Angier School, Newton: A. E. Angier School is known for its strong academic programs and commitment to fostering a collaborative and inclusive learning environment. It emphasizes academic excellence and social-emotional development.
- Charles Taylor Elementary School, Foxborough Public Schools: Charles Taylor Elementary excels in creating a nurturing environment where academic achievement is paired with character education, making it a cornerstone of the Foxborough community.
- Cohasset High School, Cohasset: Cohasset High School is recognized for its rigorous academic programs and strong community ties. It offers a wide range of Advanced Placement courses and a highly successful athletics program.
- Martin Luther King Jr. School, Cambridge: The Martin Luther King Jr. School stands out for its commitment to social justice and academic excellence. It provides a culturally responsive curriculum that reflects the diversity of its student body.
- Robert H. Adams Middle School, Holliston Public Schools: Robert H. Adams Middle School is celebrated for its strong academic programs and comprehensive approach to student development. It offers a wide range of extracurricular activities that enhance the middle school experience.
- Joseph E. Fiske School: The Joseph E. Fiske School in Wellesley, Massachusetts, serves around 270 students in kindergarten through fifth grade. We prioritize a child-centered approach, encouraging each student to reach their full potential academically, socially, and emotionally.
Bay Area:
- Joaquin Miller Middle School, Cupertino Union School District: Joaquin Miller Middle School is recognized for its strong academic performance, particularly in STEM education, and its supportive community that fosters student success in and out of the classroom.
- Leigh High School, Campbell Union High, San Jose: Leigh High School is known for its academic rigor and comprehensive extracurricular programs, including a highly regarded performing arts department and competitive sports teams.
- Lynbrook High School, Fremont Union High School District: Lynbrook High School consistently ranks among the top high schools in the Bay Area, with a strong focus on academic achievement, particularly in math and science, and a wide range of extracurricular activities.
- Alameda Science and Technology Institute, Alameda Unified School District: Alameda Science and Technology Institute stands out for its innovative approach to education, offering students early college opportunities and a curriculum focused on STEM fields.
- Warm Springs Elementary School, Fremont Unified: Warm Springs Elementary is celebrated for its strong academic programs and a focus on developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills in its students.
- John Muir Elementary School, Berkeley Unified: John Muir Elementary is recognized for its commitment to equity and academic excellence. It provides a nurturing environment that supports the diverse needs of its students.
Philadelphia:
- Holy Family School, Phoenixville: Holy Family School excels in providing a faith-based education with a strong emphasis on academic achievement and community service. The school’s small classes allow for personalized instruction, fostering spiritual and academic growth.
- Springfield High School, Springfield School District: Springfield High School is celebrated for its strong academic programs, particularly in STEM education, and vibrant extracurricular offerings, including a competitive athletics program and award-winning performing arts.
Chicago:
- Jefferson Elementary School, Elmhurst SD 205: Jefferson Elementary is recognized for its strong community involvement and high academic standards. The school emphasizes a balanced approach to education, integrating technology and arts into a robust academic curriculum.
- John Hersey High School, Township HSD 214: John Hersey High School is a leader in special education inclusion. It offers a wide range of Advanced Placement courses, making it one of Illinois’s most academically challenging high schools.
- Lake Zurich High School, Lake Zurich CUSD 95: Lake Zurich High School is known for its comprehensive academic programs and strong emphasis on student leadership and community service. The school’s graduation rate and college readiness scores are among the highest in the state.
- Naperville Central High School, Naperville CUSD 203: Naperville Central High School consistently ranks among the top high schools in Illinois. It offers a wide array of Advanced Placement courses and extracurricular activities, particularly in athletics and the arts.
- Neuqua Valley High School, Indian Prairie CUSD 204: Neuqua Valley is recognized for its outstanding academic achievements and extracurricular opportunities, including a nationally ranked music program and competitive athletics.
- Palos East Elementary School, Palos CCSD 118: Palos East Elementary is celebrated for its strong focus on academic excellence and the arts. It provides a well-rounded education that fosters creativity and critical thinking in its students.
- Scott Elementary School, Naperville CUSD 203: As a Title I school, Scott Elementary is recognized for its commitment to closing achievement gaps and providing high-quality education to a diverse student body, with strong support systems in place for all students.
Looking for the right schools for your family? Let’s talk! Schedule your free Suburbs Strategy session now.
