Prestigious 'Blue Ribbon Award' for top performing schools discontinued by U.S. Department of Education

OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) — The United States Department of Education is suspending the Blue Ribbon Award Program for high-achieving schools across the country.

Only four schools out of the thousands in the state of Oklahoma were recognized in 2024.

The Blue Ribbon Award recognizes high-performing public and private schools in the nation. It's jointly administered by the U.S. Department of Education and the State Department of Education.

Bishop McGuinness Catholic High School found out this summer that they'd been selected after years of applying, but the excitement quickly turned into disappointment.

"We got the email that said, congratulations, you have been nominated for the blue ribbon school status, but effective immediately, the program has ended," Father Rick Stansberry, the President of Bishop McGuinness Catholic High School, said.

On August 29, the U.S. Department of Education alerted state education leaders they'd be pulling out of the program that's been in place since the 1980s, in the spirit of "Returning Education to the States," the press release said.

After years of submitting a robust application, Bishop McGuinness Catholic High School was one of 85 private schools chosen in the country and the only private school in the state to be selected.

To be considered, schools have to be in the top 15% nationally in English and Math subjects on the ACT (American College Testing) and PSAT (Preliminary Scholastic Assessment Test).

"Plus, they look at other programs like special ed programs, faith formation programs, all different categories. It's pretty extensive work. It took about a year to put it all together and send it to Washington," Father Stansberry added.

It's unknown how many, if any, public schools in Oklahoma were awarded this year; however, they will feel the biggest blow, as they receive additional funding for programs as a result of the honor.

Schools can hold the title, along with the year given the award, but now, no additional schools have a chance to be recognized.

"We'll just keep doing the best that we can and keep improving," Father Stansberry told News 4 on Friday.

News 4 did reach out to State Superintendent Ryan Walters to see if anything is being done at the state level to uphold the recognition and its benefits. We are waiting to hear back from OSDE's office.