Sept. 25, 2024

Four South Dakota Schools Selected as Blue Ribbon Schools


Four South Dakota schools have been selected as National Blue Ribbon Schools by the U.S. Department of Education.
The award recognizes schools for their excellence in overall academic performance or for their progress in closing the achievement gap among student subgroups.

The South Dakota schools named as National Blue Ribbon Schools are:

  • Christ the King Elementary, O’Gorman Catholic Schools, Sioux Falls
  • Lennox Elementary School, Lennox School District
  • Lincoln Elementary School, Aberdeen School District
  • Warner High School, Warner School District

Lennox Elementary, Christ the King Elementary, and Warner High School are honored for their high scores in English and mathematics. Lincoln Elementary is recognized for its progress in closing the achievement gap among student subgroups.

Photo of Blue Ribbon Celebration at Lincoln Elementary
Lincoln Elementary principal Tasha Gatzemeyer stands with Aberdeen School District Superintendent Becky Guffin at a Blue Ribbon Schools celebration at Lincoln Elementary on Monday, Sept. 23. Secretary of Education Joe Graves and other representatives from the Department of Education attended the celebration; they reported that the staff and culture at the school emanated an incredibly positive, energetic atmosphere.

“Blue Ribbon status is awarded to schools that demonstrate commitment to excellence for all students,” said Secretary of Education Joe Graves. “The work that is being done at Lennox Elementary, Lincoln Elementary, Christ the King Elementary, and Warner High School is a testament to talented teachers and staff, students who work hard to achieve their potential, and dedicated leadership.”

Principals at each Blue Ribbon school cited outstanding teachers and a supportive community as key to their success. With that as the foundation, each school has a unique approach that has brought them to excellence.

Lennox Elementary uses a data-centered approach; data from various assessments equip teachers with an individualized profile of each student, which allows teachers to curate learning experiences to target deficiencies and build on established knowledge.

Lincoln Elementary has instituted math and reading interventions, allowing students to acquire fundamental skills. The school also has a dedicated STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) program, which provides hands-on, project-based learning for all students.

Christ the King Elementary uses data to target learning priorities and combines that with small-group instruction to meet the needs of each student.

Warner High School thrives on a traditional approach to education. Academic offerings are bound to fundamental subjects, which are taught and reinforced by experienced staff who are resolute in their high expectations for all students.