DES MOINES — Four schools from across Iowa were recognized for their outstanding academic performance this week, earning the state's prestigious 2025 Blue Ribbon Schools designation. The announcement celebrates institutions that have demonstrated exceptional results in student learning and closing achievement gaps.
The honored schools are Albia Middle School in Albia, Bryant Elementary School in Dubuque, George-Little Rock Elementary in George, and Prairie Hill Elementary School in Cedar Rapids. These schools were selected from a competitive field of over 200 high-performing contenders based on the latest data from the Iowa Department of Education.
Key Takeaways
- Four Iowa schools were named 2025 Blue Ribbon Schools for academic excellence.
- Honorees include schools in Albia, Dubuque, George, and Cedar Rapids.
- Selection is based on high performance in areas like reading, writing, and low absenteeism.
- Prairie Hill Elementary notably reduced chronic absenteeism from 17% to 5%.
- The award criteria require schools to be in the top 15% statewide.
A Celebration of Academic Excellence
During a ceremony on Wednesday, Governor Kim Reynolds commended the schools for their commitment to student success. The selection process was rigorous, analyzing comprehensive data on school performance released last month.
"Against a backdrop of more than 200 high-performing contenders, these award winners shined even brighter than the rest; they stood out as models of excellence," Governor Reynolds stated during the event.
The Blue Ribbon program is designed to identify and celebrate schools that not only achieve high academic standards but also foster supportive learning environments. The four winners represent diverse communities across the state, from rural districts to larger metropolitan areas, showcasing that excellence can be achieved in any setting.
The Rigorous Path to Recognition
Earning the Blue Ribbon title is no small feat. The selection criteria are stringent, designed to identify schools that consistently perform at the highest levels. To be considered, a school must rank in the top 15 percent of all schools in the state based on standardized performance metrics.
Furthermore, the program emphasizes equity in education. A key requirement is that each subgroup of students within the school—such as those from different socioeconomic backgrounds or with unique learning needs—must score in at least the top 40 percent. This ensures that the school's success is comprehensive and inclusive, benefiting all learners.
The evaluation considers several key indicators, including proficiency in core subjects like reading and writing, graduation rates for high schools, and student attendance. Low rates of chronic absenteeism are a significant factor, as consistent attendance is directly linked to academic achievement.
A Shift in Recognition Programs
This state-level Blue Ribbon award follows the discontinuation of the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program, which was ended by the Trump Administration. The national program, established in 1982, had recognized over 10,000 schools across the United States for academic excellence. The administration argued that states were better equipped to identify and honor their own outstanding schools, leading to the creation of state-specific initiatives like Iowa's.
Spotlight on Success: Prairie Hill Elementary
Among the honorees, Prairie Hill Elementary School in the College Community District of Cedar Rapids demonstrated a remarkable improvement in a critical area: student attendance. The school successfully tackled the issue of chronic absenteeism, which is defined as students missing 10 percent or more of the school year.
Prairie Hill Elementary reduced its chronic absenteeism rate from 17% down to 5% in a single year through targeted support for students and families.
Scott Schipper, the principal of Prairie Hill Elementary, explained that the dramatic drop was the result of a concerted, school-wide strategy. This effort involved close collaboration between educators, staff, and families to address the root causes of student absences and create a more engaging school environment.
"Through a dedicated school-wide effort to support our students and families, we saw our chronic absenteeism drop dramatically from 17% to an outstanding 5%," Schipper said.
This achievement highlights a crucial aspect of the Blue Ribbon award: it recognizes not just high test scores, but also the foundational work that makes those scores possible. By ensuring students are present and ready to learn, Prairie Hill has built a strong base for continued academic success.
Educators as the Driving Force
Leaders from the recognized districts were quick to credit their staff for the accomplishments. They emphasized that the awards are a reflection of the hard work and dedication of teachers, administrators, and support personnel who work directly with students every day.
Richard Montgomery, Superintendent of the Albia Community School District, spoke on behalf of Albia Middle School's achievement, placing the credit squarely on his team's shoulders. He stressed the importance of building a positive school culture where relationships are prioritized.
"They, like educators across the state, are the true difference makers in Iowa schools, making sure that relationships and culture come before program and curriculum," Montgomery stated.
His sentiment was echoed by other district leaders, who noted that these awards validate the tireless efforts of educators who are committed to helping every student reach their full potential. The 2025 Blue Ribbon Schools serve as an inspiration and a model for other educational institutions throughout Iowa.