These 4 area schools just won National Blue Ribbon honors

Four area schools have been named 2024 Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence by the U.S. Department of Education.

U.S. Education Secretary Miguel Cardona announced 356 winners of the prestigious prize Monday. The local schools are Central High School, Philadelphia; Holy Family School, Phoenixville; Marlborough Elementary School, Upper Perkiomen; and Springfield High School, Springfield, Delaware County.

No South Jersey schools received the award.

Schools win the prize either for being among the top academic performers in the state, or for significant progress closing achievement gaps among student groups.

“The National Blue Ribbon Schools Award is a testament to the exceptional achievements of students and educators at each of these schools,” Cardona said in a statement. “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.”

It’s the third win for Central, a city magnet school and the second-oldest public high school in the U.S. With 2,400 students, Central is Philadelphia’s second-largest school.

Central previously won Blue Ribbon honors in 1987 and 2011.

Central president Katharine Davis — the school’s leader is known as president, not principal — told students, alumni, and staff the news at a midafternoon event held on the school’s doorstep. Crimson and gold confetti showered down.

“This is an achievement that recognizes the continued academic excellence of Central High School. This is an achievement that celebrates the dedication of our faculty, our students, our staff and our families. This is an achievement that memorializes the accomplishments of our entire school community,” said Davis, the school’s first female and first Black president.

Davis, a Central alum, called the Blue Ribbon “the honor of a lifetime.”

Superintendent Tony B. Watlington Sr. said he was proud of Central’s honor.

“Keep up the great work,” Watlington told students. “Keep striving, keep giving back to your community, and keep making the School District of Philadelphia and the city of Philadelphia proud.”

Jake Benny, a Central junior, said he was impressed with his school’s “really big accomplishment.” It feels particularly meaningful post-pandemic, he noted, when schools across the U.S. climb back after declines in student achievement and social and emotional challenges.

“We’re back,” said Benny. “We’re great. It’s a testament to the staff, students, community, and alumni.”

Representatives from Central, Holy Family, Marlborough, and Springfield will travel to Washington D.C. in November to receive their prizes.