4 Kansas schools win prestigious award for high performance. Here’s where they are

Four Kansas elementary schools have earned a prestigious national designation awarded to just 356 schools in the U.S. for 2024.

The Blue Ribbon program names schools every year into two categories — high performing schools and schools that are closing achievement gaps. This year, Kansas’ Garfield Elementary (Augusta), Herington Elementary (Herington), Lincoln Elementary (Junction City) and Sunflower Elementary (Paola) were designated as high-performing schools.

“Educators in National Blue Ribbon schools employ effective teaching methods with data-driven instruction, participate in robust professional development and collaborate with their students’ families and community in a concerted effort to ensure every student reaches their potential,” the Kansas Department of Education said in a press release.

Since the program began in 1983, 149 Kansas schools have been named Blue Ribbon Schools, according to the Kansas Department of Education. Out of the four schools that gained the title in 2024, two are celebrating their first Blue Ribbon classifications.

Here’s what to know about the winners.

Garfield Elementary School

Garfield Elementary School is located in Augusta.

According to U.S. World News & Report, the school has an enrollment of about 235, with 47% showing proficiency in math and 57% for reading.

“We are so proud of our students for all their hard work, our parents for all their support, and our dedicated staff coming together to make great things happen here at Garfield!” the school posted on its Facebook account after the award was announced.

The last time Garfield was recognized as a Blue Ribbon school was in 2006.

Herington Elementary School

Herington Elementary School is located in Herington, a city in Dickinson County.

The school has an enrollment of about 178 students, according to U.S. World News & Report . Forty two percent of students showed proficiency in math as well as reading.

Herington was also named a Blue Ribbon School in 2007.

Lincoln Elementary School

Lincoln Elementary School is located in Junction City and has a total enrollment of 271, according to U.S. World News & Report.

According to the same source, 47% of students showed proficiency in math and 57% showed proficiency in reading.

“Being named a National Blue Ribbon School is a tremendous honor. This recognition stands as a testament to the hard work and dedication of our students, staff, and families. It highlights our unwavering commitment to academic excellence and to creating an environment where every student can thrive,” Daniel Dinkel, Lincoln Elementary principal, said in a Geary County Schools Facebook post.

This is the first time Lincoln gained the title.

Sunflower Elementary School

Sunflower Elementary School is located in Paola, about an hour south of Kansas City.

According to U.S. World News & Report, the school has an enrollment of 384, with 52% of students showing proficiency in math and 49% in reading.

“This prestigious honor reflects the dedication, hard work, and passion that our staff and students bring to school every single day!” the school said in a social media post.

This is the first time both Sunflower Elementary School and a Paola school earned the title.