Christian Brothers Academy has been named a National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence-one of 50 private schools nationally, and the only private school in New York State to receive this award.

The National Blue Ribbon Schools award affirms the hard work of students, educators, families, and communities in creating safe and welcoming schools where students master challenging content. The National Blue Ribbon Schools flag gracing a school’s building is a widely recognized symbol of exemplary teaching and learning. National Blue Ribbon Schools are an inspiration and a model for schools still striving for excellence.

Now in its 37th year, the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program has bestowed recognition on more than 9,000 schools. On Nov. 14 and 15, the Secretary and the Department of Education will celebrate with 312 public and 50 non-public school honorees at an awards ceremony in Washington, D.C. 

U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos recognized the 362 schools as National Blue Ribbon Schools for 2019 on Thursday.

“We recognize and honor your important work in preparing students for successful careers and meaningful lives,”said DeVos in a video message to the honorees. “As a National Blue Ribbon School, your school demonstrates what is possible when committed educators hold all students and staff to high standards and create vibrant, innovative cultures of teaching and learning.”

Principal Matt Keough announced the news to the faculty, staff and student body at a Homecoming Pep Assembly on Friday afternoon. The entire CBA family will gather on Monday for a school wide celebration.

The Department of Education recognizes all schools in one of two performance categories, based on all student scores, student subgroup 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.

CBA was recognized as an Exemplary High Performing School.

“The designation of Christian Brothers Academy as a National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence is a testimony to the faculty, staff and administration who provide our students with a superior experience of academic excellence among other life learning skills,”President Brother Joseph Jozwiak, FSC said. “CBA takes pride in this award and is committed to furthering our mission of Catholic education in the Lasallian tradition as we move into the future.”

CBA also received the distinction of the Best Catholic High School in Upstate New York.

Photographs, video and brief descriptions of the 2019 National Blue Ribbon Schools are available at:  https://www.ed.gov/nationalblueribbonschools.

Editor’s Note: We will have more coverage of this prestigious accomplishment in our print Alumni Newsletter in December.