St. Katharine Drexel Named 2018 Blue Ribbon School of Excellence

HOLLAND PA:  U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos recognized St. Katharine Drexel Catholic School as one of only 49 private schools nationwide to be selected as a 2018 National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence. This is SKD’s first year eligible for the award since its opening in the 2012-2013 academic year. The recognition is based on a school’s overall academic performance or progress in closing achievement gaps among student groups.

“I’m pleased to celebrate with you as your school is named a National Blue Ribbon School,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos in a video message to the honorees.  “We recognize and honor your important work in preparing students for successful careers and meaningful lives. Congratulations on your students’ accomplishments and for your extraordinary commitment to meeting their unique needs.”

The coveted National Blue Ribbon Schools award affirms the hard work of educators, families and communities in creating safe and welcoming schools where students master challenging and engaging content. To qualify for the award, the school’s standardized test scores need to be in the top 15% in that nation.

Ms. Laura Clark, Principal at St. Katharine Drexel Catholic School said “This recognition is a reflection of the hard work of so many faculty and staff, both past and present, who believe in the mission of St. Katharine Drexel Catholic School. I could not be more proud of our students and everyone who made this possible.”

All schools are honored in one of two performance categories, based on all student scores, subgroup student scores and graduation rates:

• Exemplary High Performing Schools are among their state’s highest performing schools as measured by state assessments or nationally normed tests.
• Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing Schools are among their state’s highest performing schools in closing achievement gaps between a school’s student groups and all students over the past five years.

Up to 420 schools may be nominated each year. The Department invites National Blue Ribbon School nominations from the top education official in all states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, the Department of Defense Education Activity and the Bureau of Indian Education. Private schools are nominated by The Council for American Private Education (CAPE).

View our profile on U.S. Department of Education  website.