NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release: November 5, 2025
MDE establishes Mississippi Blue Ribbon Schools program to recognize National Blue Ribbon-nominated schools
JACKSON, Miss. – The Mississippi Department of Education (MDE) is announcing today the establishment of the Mississippi Blue Ribbon School program, following the termination of the U.S. Department of Education’s former National Blue Ribbon Schools Program in August. This state-level program will continue the annual recognition of the state’s highest-performing schools.
The Mississippi Blue Ribbon School designation uses the same criteria for selection as the national program and carries the same level of prestige. The recognition highlights schools that excel in academic performance and/or make significant strides in closing achievement gaps among different student groups.
Schools are recognized in both or either of two performance categories:
- Exemplary High Performing Schools: These schools are among the top performers in the state as measured by state assessments.
- Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing Schools: These schools excel in narrowing achievement gaps between different student groups and the overall student body.
The MDE has selected three schools in 2025 as the state’s inaugural Mississippi Blue Ribbon Schools:
Exemplary High Performing Schools
- Beach Elementary School, Pascagoula-Gautier School District
- Ocean Springs High School, Ocean Springs School District
Exemplary High-Performing School and Exemplary Achievement Gap-Closing School
- Bayou View Elementary School, Gulfport School District
Mississippi 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.
The MDE selected the 2025 Mississippi Blue Ribbon Schools based on student performance data including assessment results, student subgroup performance and graduation rates. Each nominated school submits a comprehensive application detailing its school culture, curriculum, assessments, instructional practices, professional development, leadership, family, and community involvement.
“MDE is proud to continue the longstanding tradition of recognizing outstanding schools that serve as models for the state and nation,” said Dr. Lance Evans, state superintendent of education. “Congratulations to the students, educators, families and communities of the inaugural Mississippi Blue Ribbon Schools for earning the state’s top recognition for achievement.”
Find all MDE news releases at mdek12.org/news.
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Jean Cook, APR
Chief of Communication
601-359-3515
jcook@mdek12.org
Shanderia Minor
Public Information Officer
601-359-3515
sminor@mdek12.org
