Woodlands Academy gets National Blue Ribbon award

Woodlands Academy of the Sacred Heart is among an elite group of 317 public and 50 private schools recognized Sept. 24 by U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos as a National Blue Ribbon School for 2020. This coveted award is based on a school's overall academic performance.

“Congratulations to this year’s National Blue Ribbon School awardees,” DeVos said. “It’s a privilege to recognize the extraordinary work you do to meet students’ needs and prepare them for successful careers and meaningful lives.”

The 2020 National Blue Ribbon Schools Awards Ceremony, which recipients normally would have attended in Washington, DC, will be conducted virtually Nov. 12 and 13 this year due to COVID-19. As a result, Woodlands Academy will receive its commemorative plaque and flag in the mail.

The National Blue Ribbon School flag gracing a recipient school’s building is a widely recognized symbol of exemplary teaching and learning. The award it symbolizes affirms the hard work of educators, families and communities in creating safe and welcoming schools where students master challenging and engaging content. National Blue Ribbon Schools are an inspiration and a model for schools still striving for excellence. Now in its 38th year, this U. S. Department of Education program seeks out and celebrates great American schools demonstrating that all students can achieve to high levels. 

“I am so proud of our entire Woodlands Academy community for achieving this outstanding national recognition of the work they do every day educating our students,” Head of School Meg Steele said. “It truly honors who we are and how we deliver on our goal of empowering girls to change the world – whether it’s here in our classrooms or remotely due to COVID-19 precautions.”

Up to 420 schools may be nominated each year. National Blue Ribbon School nominees are sought from the top education official in all states. Private schools are nominated by the Council for American Private Education (CAPE).

Founded in 1858, Woodlands Academy is an independent Catholic day-and-boarding college-preparatory high school for young women of all faiths in grades nine through 12. The school promotes engaging academics, artistic and athletic excellence, strong faith, and social responsibility. Woodlands is part of a worldwide network of Sacred Heart Schools that spans the United States and 40 other countries on six continents. More information about it can be found at www.woodlandsacademy.org.