16 NYC schools, including 12 run by DOE, named National Blue Ribbon Schools

Of the 16 New York City schools that made this year’s National Blue Ribbon Schools list, a dozen are run by the Education Department, including one that made headlines for protesting Chancellor David Banks’ signature literacy initiative.

The Brooklyn School of Inquiry, a K-8 gifted and talented program known as BSI, was the first and only school so far to win an exemption from the city’s mandate for all elementary schools to use one of three city-approved reading curriculums. The 480-seat Bensonhurst school, which draws students from across the city, was recognized for its “progressive education approach, innovative teaching practices, and diverse student body,” according to the Blue Ribbon website.

The local winners, which spanned all five boroughs, were among 356 schools across the country to win the honor, according to the U.S. Department of Education. It’s an achievement that recognizes a school’s excellence in academic performance or significant progress toward closing achievement gaps.

All New York City schools were recognized for strong academic performance. The award brings no financial boost to winning schools, though it does offer bragging rights.

Read the full article here: https://www.chalkbeat.org/newyork/2024/09/24/nyc-schools-earn-national-blue-ribbon-award-from-education-department/