Oak Point recognized as a 2023 National Blue Ribbon School

Oak Point Elementary School in Eden Prairie has been recognized as a National Blue Ribbon School for 2023 by the U.S. Department of Education.

In total, 353 schools received this distinction on Tuesday, with nine located in Minnesota.

“The honorees for our 2023 National Blue Ribbon Schools Award have set a national example for what it means to Raise the Bar in education,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona in a press release announcing this year’s recipients. “We take tremendous pride in the achievements of these schools and their commitment to empowering educators, serving students, and engaging families.”

Oak Point was named an Exemplary High Performing School, one of the state’s highest-performing schools as measured by state assessments or nationally normed tests. Two nearby schools — Chanhassen Elementary and Holy Family Catholic in Victoria — were also acknowledged.

Eden Prairie Schools announced the recognition on its website. Superintendent Josh Swanson said it’s a “tremendous honor and an acknowledgment of the brilliance of our students, the commitment of our staff, and the power of the Oak Point community.”

Swanson added that in each of the district’s schools, students are inspired every day. “And this prestigious recognition is a testament to our mission and our commitment to academic success for each and every student,” he said.

“I truly believe at the heart of Oak Point’s success is our shared belief that ‘There’s No Place Like Oak Point,'” said Oak Point Principal Chris Rogers. “This isn’t simply a phrase on a T-shirt, but rather a driving force seen in each facet of our school’s work. From our vision, which focuses on actively engaging and valuing each member of our school community, to our student-centered instructional practices, we are defining what it means to inspire each student.”

Since 1982, the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program has awarded approximately 10,000 recognitions to more than 9,700 schools. The program aims to acknowledge the hard work of students, educators, families, and communities in achieving exemplary success, according to the press release.

Each year, 420 schools can be nominated for the award. The U.S. Department of Education seeks nominations from educational officials in every state, the District of Columbia, U.S. territories, the Department of Defense Education Activity, and the Bureau of Indian Education. The Council for American Private Education nominates private schools.