PROVIDENCE, RI – The Providence Public School District (PPSD) is proud to announce that The U.S. Department of Education has named Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Elementary School in Providence as one of the 2024 National Blue Ribbon Schools, honoring its significant academic achievements. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Elementary School is recognized as an Exemplary Achievement Gap-Closing School, a testament to its dedication to reducing disparities in student achievement. This is the first PPSD National Blue Ribbon School since Classical High School in 2017 to receive this honor and the first National Blue Ribbon School since the start of state intervention under the Turnaround Action Plan.  

“This is an incredible accomplishment for Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Elementary School and for the entire Providence Public School District,” said Governor Dan McKee. “Closing achievement gaps is no easy feat, but this school community has demonstrated what is possible when we remain focused on equity and excellence for every student. Congratulations to the students, educators, and families who have worked so hard to earn this honor.” 

“Today marks an exciting day for the entire PPSD community as we celebrate another National Blue Ribbon School in the capital city. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Elementary exemplifies what we can achieve when schools are dedicated to closing the achievement gap and ensuring all students have access to high-quality learning opportunities,” said Commissioner Angélica Infante-Green. “This recognition highlights the collaborative spirit of the school community, and RIDE and PPSD will continue to support students and staff at MLK to build on their success and continue our momentum across the District.” 

“We are beyond proud of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Elementary School for being named a National Blue Ribbon School. This prestigious recognition highlights the tireless efforts of our educators, students, and families in closing the achievement gap and building a brighter future for all our learners,” said PPSD Superintendent Dr. Javier Montañez. “This honor reaffirms our commitment to ensuring every child in Providence has access to an equitable, high-quality education that prepares them for success.” 

“This recognition is a testament to the dedication and hard work of the educators at Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Elementary School, as well as the collective efforts of the entire school community,” said Providence Teachers Union President Maribeth Calabro. “Our teachers go above and beyond every day to close achievement gaps and provide students with the high-quality education they deserve. This award showcases what is possible when we work together to ensure equity and excellence for all learners.”  

“We are honored to be recognized as a National Blue Ribbon School, a testament to the unwavering dedication of our teachers, staff, students, and families,” said Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Elementary Principal Kristen Lussier. “Our school community has worked tirelessly to close the achievement gap and create a supportive, inclusive environment where every student can thrive. This recognition reinforces our commitment to continuing this important work and ensuring success for all our learners.” 
 

The National Blue Ribbon School award affirms the hard work of students, educators, families, and communities in striving for – and attaining – exemplary achievement. National Blue Ribbon Schools serve as models of effective school practices for educators and other schools across the nation. A National Blue Ribbon School flag at a school’s entrance is a widely recognized symbol of exemplary teaching and learning. 

The U.S. Department of Education recognizes schools in one of two performance categories, based on student scores, subgroup student scores, and graduation rates: 

Exemplary High-Performing Schools are among their state’s highest-performing schools as measured by state assessments or nationally normed tests. 

Exemplary Achievement Gap-Closing Schools  are among their state’s highest-performing schools in closing achievement gaps between a school’s student groups and all students. 

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Elementary is one of only a select number of schools nationwide to receive the 2024 National Blue Ribbon Schools award. Since the inception of the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program in 1982, more than 9,000 schools across the country have been recognized for their excellence in education. 

For more information about the National Blue Ribbon Schools program and this year’s winners, visit the U.S. Department of Education’s website. Use this link to watch a video featuring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary teachers, staff, and students or visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6KZSCwUm_kI.  

For more information about Providence Public Schools, visit www.providenceschools.org. Follow Providence Public Schools on Facebook, X (@pvdschools), or Instagram (@pvdschools) for timely updates. 

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