Queen of Peace Catholic Academy in Gainesville was recently recognized as a 2023 National Blue Ribbon School at a two-day event held in Washington, D.C., on Nov. 16 and 17. This is the second time the school has been recognized with the prestigious award.

The school organized an event on Nov. 29 to celebrate their achievement, starting with speeches from a few dignitaries. Immaculate Heart of Mary Sister Nancy Elder, the founding principal, presented the award to Principal Therese Majewski and Father Alberto Esposito. The school’s 5th-grade safety patrol acted as flag bearers while the band and choir performed. The celebration ended with the presentation of a 2023 Blue Ribbon Flag framed plaque and an ice cream treat for each child, courtesy of Blue Bell Ice Cream. Following the celebration, a small reception was held in the church. 

The National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA) proudly commended Queen of Peace Catholic Academy in Gainesville as one of 36 Catholic schools honored as 2023 National Blue Ribbon Schools.

“The academic success of Catholic schools is rooted in a unique Catholic perspective on community,” said NCEA President and CEO Lincoln Snyder. “These 36 schools represent the highest level of dedication and achievement found in Catholic education nationwide.”

U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel A. Cardona announced on Sept. 19 that 313 schools and 40 private schools were awarded the coveted National Blue Ribbon Schools for 2023 based on overall academic excellence or progress in closing achievement gaps among student subgroups. Secretary Cardona remarked these schools “set a national example for what it means to raise the bar in education.”

The 313 public and 40 private schools represent elementary, middle and high schools, including traditional, charter, magnet schools, parochial and independent schools in 46 states, the District of Columbia and a Department of Defense Education Activity school in Italy. Private schools are nominated by the Council for American Private Education (CAPE). 

National Blue Ribbon Schools are an inspiration and a model for all schools striving for excellence. With its 40th cohort of awardees, the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program has bestowed over 10,000 awards to over 9,700 schools, with some winning multiple awards. Visit the NCEA website for information on National Blue Ribbon Schools.

https://ncea.org/NCEA/NCEA/How_We_Serve/Resources/National_Blue_Ribbon_Schools.aspx