Maryland General Assembly Recognizes Exemplary Blue Ribbon Schools

The 2025-2026 Maryland Blue Ribbon Schools were recently honored by the Maryland General Assembly in Annapolis, recognizing their outstanding academic achievements and efforts in closing achievement gaps. The event, attended by State Superintendent of Schools Dr. Carey M. Wright and Archdiocese of Baltimore Superintendent Sister Patricia McCarron, celebrated seven public and parochial schools. Governor Wes Moore had previously reinstated the Maryland Blue Ribbon Schools Program last fall, following the discontinuation of the national program.

These seven schools were nominated for national recognition before the federal program ended. Among the honorees are Baltimore Polytechnic Institute in Baltimore City Public Schools; Stoneleigh Elementary School in Baltimore County Public Schools; Myersville Elementary School in Frederick County Public Schools; and Diamond Elementary School and Wilson Wims Elementary School, both in Montgomery County Public Schools. Additionally, St. Louis School from the Archdiocese of Baltimore and Little Flower School from the Archdiocese of Washington received recognition.

The schools were lauded for their commitment to academic excellence and student success. Baltimore Polytechnic Institute, Little Flower School, and St. Louis School were specifically recognized in the Exemplary High Performing category, a distinction earned for their exceptional academic performance on both national and state assessments. Wilson Wims Elementary School was highlighted in the Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing category for its success in reducing performance disparities among different student groups. Diamond Elementary, Myersville Elementary, and Stoneleigh Elementary were recognized in both categories, acknowledging their achievements in both high performance and closing achievement gaps.

Under the renewed Maryland Blue Ribbon Schools Program, the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) will collaborate with the Archdioceses of Baltimore, Washington, and Wilmington, Delaware. This partnership aims to identify and celebrate Maryland schools that demonstrate high academic achievement and significant progress in narrowing performance gaps between various student populations. Previously, the Maryland Blue Ribbon Schools Program, which concluded after the 2019-2020 school year, was exclusively open to public schools.

Each of the recognized schools will receive a Maryland Blue Ribbon Schools banner, a flag, and official award citations. The honorees include Baltimore Polytechnic Institute, known for its rigorous STEM focus and comprehensive approach to developing well-rounded leaders. Diamond Elementary School, serving a diverse student body in Gaithersburg, emphasizes academic, social, and emotional growth with its motto, “Excellence Through Effort.” Myersville Elementary School, a community cornerstone in rural Frederick County, is committed to student growth with its guiding principle, “Learning to Be the Best We Can Be.” Stoneleigh Elementary School in Towson focuses on meeting individual academic and social-emotional needs within a safe and supportive environment. Wilson Wims Elementary School in Clarksburg fosters a culture of continuous growth and uses innovative methods to enhance student understanding and engagement. St. Louis School in Clarksville, serving preschool through eighth grade, consistently achieves above the Archdiocese average on standardized tests and boasts multiple Knott Scholars. Finally, Little Flower School in Bethesda cultivates spiritual, academic, and personal growth among its approximately 290 students, fostering a community of confident, compassionate, and service-oriented individuals.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from the Maryland Department of Education

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