Shadow Ridge Named 2024 National Blue Ribbon School

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - 09/23/2024

DYSART SCHOOLS - Shadow Ridge High School received the 2024 National Blue Ribbon School award from the U.S. Department of Education for high academic achievement and progress in closing the achievement gap. Shadow Ridge is among only 356 schools across the United States and only 6 schools in Arizona to receive this recognition. They are the only high school in Arizona this year to receive this designation. 

The Department recognizes schools based on student performance data including assessment results, student subgroup performance and graduation rates. Shadow Ridge was recognized for both performance categories, as an Exemplary High Performing School and as an Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing School. Exemplary High Performing Schools are among the top performers in their state as measured by state assessments or nationally normed tests, and Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing Schools excel in narrowing achievement gaps between different student groups and the overall student body.   

"The National Blue Ribbon Schools Award is a testament to the exceptional achievements of students and educators at each of these schools,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona. “The 2024 National Blue Ribbon Schools are raising the bar for our nation’s students, serving as models for effective teaching and intentional collaboration in their schools and communities. As we celebrate their achievements, let us look to these schools for inspiration as we champion education as the foundation of a brighter future for every child.”  

National Blue Ribbon Schools serve as models of effective and innovative school practices for state and district educators and other schools throughout the nation, and are led by leaders who articulate a clear vision of instructional excellence and uphold high standards. They showcase effective teaching methods and offer robust professional development for their staff. Data-driven instruction is a hallmark, and there is a concerted effort to ensure every student succeeds. Collaboration among families, communities, and educators is a key component of their success. Each nominated school submits a comprehensive application detailing its school culture, programs, assessments, instructional practices, professional development, leadership, family, and community involvement.  

“We are deeply honored that Shadow Ridge High School has earned this prestigious national achievement,” said Superintendent Dr. John Croteau. “A National Blue Ribbon School award demonstrates highly effective and innovative educational practices, which is something we strive for throughout our district. To have a school that serves as a model nationwide is a reflection of the hard work that our highly skilled staff does every day across our district.”  

The Arizona Department of Education nominated Shadow Ridge for their exemplary school practices. Shadow Ridge High School is an “A” rated school, scored in the top 10% in state rankings, and was named a 2024 Best High School by U.S. News & World Report. Last year, Shadow Ridge seniors earned over $11 million in college scholarships, and boasted a Flinn Scholar and four National Merit Finalists. Shadow Ridge is the first Dysart school to earn the National Blue Ribbon School designation, and a delegation from Shadow Ridge and the district will attend the awards ceremony this November in Washington D.C.  

View the 2024 National Blue Ribbon Schools SRHS School Profile.   

About the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program 

The National Blue Ribbon Schools Program recognizes public and private elementary, middle, and high schools based on their overall academic excellence or their progress in closing achievement gaps among student subgroups. Every year the U. S. Department of Education seeks out and celebrates great American schools, schools demonstrating that all students can achieve to high levels. Schools are eligible for nomination after five years. The coveted National Blue Ribbon School award affirms the hard work of students, educators, families, and communities in creating safe and welcoming schools where students master challenging and engaging content. The National Blue Ribbon School flag gracing an entry or flying overhead is a widely recognized symbol of exemplary teaching and learning. Learn more at https://www.nationalblueribbonschools.ed.gov.