NORTH CAROLINA -– The North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI) today announced four public schools as the first recipients of the state’s newly established Blue Ribbon Schools Award, honoring schools that demonstrate exceptional academic performance and progress in closing achievement gaps.

Celebrating Academic Excellence Across the State

The North Carolina Blue Ribbon Schools program was created to continue the tradition of recognizing outstanding schools following the discontinuation of the U.S. Department of Education’s National Blue Ribbon Program. The new state-led initiative highlights schools that exemplify excellence in teaching, learning, and student success.

“This recognition reflects the hard work of educators, students, families and communities working together to ensure every child has access to high-quality learning,” said State Superintendent Maurice “Mo” Green. “We celebrate these schools for their growth, achievement and commitment to student success as North Carolina’s inaugural Blue Ribbon Schools award recipients.”

Recognizing Exemplary Achievement

The 2023–24 awardees were nominated based on state accountability results and evaluated in two categories: Exemplary High Performing and Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing. Three of the four recognized schools earned distinctions in both categories.

The honorees include:

Apex Friendship Middle School (Wake County Public Schools)
Recognized in both categories, Apex Friendship Middle is known for its inclusive culture, academic excellence, and dedication to social-emotional learning alongside rigorous academics.

Henderson County Early College (Henderson County Public Schools)
Located on the campus of Blue Ridge Community College, Henderson County Early College allows students to earn both a high school diploma and college credit. The school was honored for its high academic outcomes and strong culture of support.

Mills Park Middle School (Wake County Public Schools)
As one of North Carolina’s largest middle schools, Mills Park Middle excels in academic achievement, collaborative teaching, and preparing students for future success. It was recognized in both award categories.

Pinehurst Elementary (Moore County Schools)
Serving pre-K through fifth grade, Pinehurst Elementary is celebrated for its innovative teaching practices, focus on the whole child, and strong community partnerships that enhance student learning. The school earned recognition in both categories.

Continuing a Legacy of Recognition

NCDPI developed the state-level Blue Ribbon recognition to maintain a platform for celebrating North Carolina’s top-performing schools after the federal program was discontinued earlier this year. All four honorees had met the eligibility criteria for the former national award prior to its termination.

The awardees will be formally recognized at the December State Board of Education meeting, where they will be honored for their exceptional achievements and contributions to North Carolina’s education system.