KES achieves national recognition…

Yesterday, U.S. Secretary of Education, Arne Duncan announced that Kirbyville Elementary School was one of 304 schools the U.S. Department of Education named  2011 National Blue Ribbon Schools based on their overall academic excellence or for their success in closing achievement gaps.  The Department will honor the entire 255 public and 49 private schools with their National Blue Ribbon School awards at a conference and awards ceremony Nov. 14-15 in Washington, D.C. 

“America’s long-term economic prosperity and civic engagement depends on our children receiving a world-class education,” Duncan said.  “National Blue Ribbon Schools are committed to accelerating student achievement and preparing students for success in college and careers.  Their success is an example for others to follow.”

KES was recognized as a school with at least 40 percent of their students from disadvantaged backgrounds that improved student performance to high levels as measured by the school’s performance on state assessments or nationally-normed tests.

Before selecting National Blue Ribbon Schools, the Department asks for nominations from the top education official in every state, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico, the Department of Defense Education Activity and the Bureau of Indian Education. The Council for American Private Education (CAPE) nominates private schools. A total of 413 schools nationwide are nominated, based on the number of K-12 students and the number of schools in each jurisdiction. The schools are invited by the Secretary of Education to submit an application for possible recognition as a National Blue Ribbon School.

National Blue Ribbon Schools  
Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
Coverage by Springfield News-Leader 
Coverage by KY3 
Photo Gallery on KY3 
Branson Tri-Lakes News
Branson Hometown News
Senator Claire McCaskill news release