Central High School in Philadelphia and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Elementary School in Providence, R.I., were among the schools recently designated as 2024 Blue Ribbon Schools by the United States Department of Education.

The National Blue Ribbon Schools Program (NBRS) recognized 356 public and non-public elementary, middle, and high schools based on their overall high academic achievement or success in closing the achievement gap among diverse groups of students.

Established in 1836, Central High School is the 37th oldest public high school in the United States. It is a college preparatory high school focused on using rigorous academic programs to prepare students for higher education and serves approximately 2,400 students.

The school hosted their own Blue Ribbon celebration in September.

“Congratulations to Central High School on its designation as a National Blue Ribbon School,” said Tony Watlington, Sr., superintendent of the School District of Philadelphia. “I am elated to celebrate the hard work of the president (principal), teachers, students and their families at Central. This national recognition is a point of pride and a testament to the academic excellence within our District.”

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Elementary School is the first school in the Providence Public School District to achieve Blue Ribbon status since 2017. The school was recognized as an exemplary achievement gap closing school.

In a news statement Rhode Island Gov. Dan McKee said being selected as a Blue Ribbon school was an incredible accomplishment for the school as well as for the entire Providence school district. “Closing achievement gaps is no easy feat, but this school community has demonstrated what is possible when we remain focused on equity and excellence for every student,” said McKee. “Congratulations to the students, educators, and families who have worked so hard to earn this honor.”

In addition to Philadelphia and Providence, big-city schools in Albuquerque, Anchorage, Birmingham, Broward County (Fort Lauderdale), Buffalo, Charleston County (Charleston, S.C.), Chicago, Clark County (Las Vegas), Denver, Washington D.C., Duval County (Jacksonville), East Baton Rouge, Fresno, Hawaii, Long Beach, Los Angeles, Nashville, Miami, New York City, Sacramento, San Antonio, San Diego, San Antonio, and St. Louis were designated as Blue Ribbon schools.

Since its inception in 1982, the NBRS program has presented nearly 10,000 awards to over 9,000 schools across the nation.

In November, the U.S. Department of Education will honor the 2024 Blue Ribbon schools at an awards ceremony in Washington, D.C, where each school will receive  a plaque and flag to signify its exemplary status.