Connecticut, October 10, 2025
News Summary
Four schools in Connecticut have been awarded Blue Ribbon designations, recognizing their excellence in student learning and efforts to close achievement gaps. The honored schools are House of Arts, Letters, and Science Academy, Gildersleeve School, Green Acres Elementary School, and Weston Intermediate School. This federal award highlights the schools’ commitment to student success despite changes in federal educational programs. The recognition underscores the importance of quality education and the impact of dedicated faculty and resources in improving educational outcomes.
Connecticut – Four schools in Connecticut have been awarded Blue Ribbon designations this week, marking a significant achievement in student learning. This distinction is awarded by the federal government to honor schools that demonstrate outstanding performance in academics and effective strategies in closing achievement gaps. The awards come in a landscape marked by federal educational changes, as the Trump administration ended the national Blue Ribbon Schools Program in August 2023.
The State Board of Education’s Vice Chair Erin Benham expressed pride in the accomplishments of the four recognized schools: House of Arts, Letters, and Science (HALS) Academy in New Britain, Gildersleeve School in Portland, Green Acres Elementary School in North Haven, and Weston Intermediate School in Weston. Governor Ned Lamont announced in September that Connecticut would honor these schools, which were chosen based on their nominations by the federal Department of Education.
The four schools received honors in two categories: Exemplary High-Performing and Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing. Remarkably, three of the four schools were recognized in both categories, showing a strong commitment to providing quality educational opportunities for all students. Education Commissioner Charlene Russell-Tucker noted that this recognition was based on data derived from Connecticut’s next-generation accountability system, which evaluates student success through various metrics beyond just standardized test scores.
In light of the federal program’s conclusion, Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz emphasized the importance of acknowledging excellence in public education and celebrating the achievements of Connecticut’s educators and students. The recognition of these schools serves as an indicator of the hard work put forth by both students and faculty in creating enriching educational environments.
Portland Superintendent Charles Britton highlighted the impact of the School Improvement Grant on the Gildersleeve School, which facilitated additional staffing and resources that helped improve educational outcomes. This aligns with the overall goal of closing the achievement gap and providing equitable opportunities for students.
Former Weston Intermediate School principal Patti Falber underlined the necessity of recognizing academic excellence, reinforcing the idea that such honors not only celebrate achievements but also motivate continuous improvement across the education system.
U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona, a Meriden native with deep ties to Connecticut’s education sector, is scheduled to visit Israel Putnam Elementary School in Meriden, which has also been recognized for its efforts in the Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing category. His visit further underscores the celebration and significance of public school achievements within the state.
These Blue Ribbon recognitions not only signify success for the individual schools but also shine a light on Connecticut’s comprehensive approach to assessing education, which prioritizes a holistic evaluation of student performance and school effectiveness.
Key Facts About the Blue Ribbon Designations
- Four Connecticut schools received Blue Ribbon designations this week.
- The Blue Ribbon program honors achievements in student learning.
- The program was terminated by the federal government in August 2023.
- Schools were nominated based on Connecticut’s next-generation accountability system.
- Three out of four recognized schools excelled in both award categories.
FAQ
What is the Blue Ribbon designation?
The Blue Ribbon designation is an award given by the U.S. Department of Education to honor schools for their significant achievements in student learning and closing the achievement gap among various demographics.
Which Connecticut schools received the Blue Ribbon designation this year?
The schools recognized this year include House of Arts, Letters, and Science Academy in New Britain, Gildersleeve School in Portland, Green Acres Elementary School in North Haven, and Weston Intermediate School in Weston.
What are the categories for the Blue Ribbon award?
The Blue Ribbon recognition is awarded in two categories: Exemplary High-Performing schools and Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing schools.
Is there still federal funding available for schools after the Blue Ribbon program’s termination?
While the Blue Ribbon program has ended, schools may still receive funding through various state and federal grants, such as School Improvement Grants, aimed at improving educational outcomes.
Summary of the Recognized Connecticut Schools
| School Name | Location | Exemplary Category |
|---|---|---|
| House of Arts, Letters, and Science Academy | New Britain | Exemplary High-Performing |
| Gildersleeve School | Portland | Exemplary High-Performing & Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing |
| Green Acres Elementary School | North Haven | Exemplary High-Performing |
| Weston Intermediate School | Weston | Exemplary High-Performing & Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing |
| Israel Putnam Elementary School | Meriden | Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing |
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Additional Resources
- CT News Junkie
- Wikipedia: Blue Ribbon Schools Program
- CT Insider
- Google Search: Blue Ribbon Schools Connecticut
- WFSB
- Google Scholar: Connecticut education awards
- Fox 61
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Education
- CT Post
- Google News: Connecticut schools recognition
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