On Thursday, September 28, 2017 U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos recognized 342 schools as National Blue Ribbon Schools for 2017 based on their overall academic excellence or their progress in closing achievement gaps among student subgroups. Smithfield Elementary, in Birdville ISD, was one of 18 elementary campuses in Texas that received this prestigious recognition.

National Blue Ribbon Schools demonstrate that all students can achieve at high levels. The Department will formally recognize the 292 public and 50 private schools at an awards ceremony at the Omni Shoreham in Washington, D.C. on November 6 and 7, 2017. The 2017 cohort represents public and non-public elementary, middle and high schools, including traditional, charter, magnet schools, parochial and independent schools in 44 states, the District of Colombia and Department of Defense Education Activity schools in Okinawa, Japan; Stuttgart, Germany; and West Point, New York.

The National Blue Ribbon Schools award affirms the hard work of students, educators, families, and communities in creating safe and welcoming schools where students master challenging content. The National Blue Ribbon Schools flag gracing a school’s building is a widely recognized symbol of exemplary teaching and learning. National Blue Ribbon Schools are an inspiration and a model for schools still striving for excellence. Now in its 35th year, the U.S. Department of Education has bestowed this coveted award on more than 8,500 schools.