Oakland Gardens middle school named 2021 National Blue Ribbon School

An Oakland Gardens public school was recently recognized as one of the best in the nation, along with 18 other institutions in New York state.

Nathaniel Hawthorne Middle School 74 earned a spot on the 2021 National Blue Ribbon School list, which recognizes schools’ overall academic performance or progress in closing achievement gaps among student subgroups.

This year, a total of 325 public and non-public schools across the nation were named Blue Ribbon Schools.

??MAJOR NEWS??
Today, the Hawthorne community adds to its distinctions the title of being a National Blue Ribbon School!
This achievement was earned through, and because of our TEAM’s commitment to our students.
THANK YOU to all stakeholders who make our community SOAR! pic.twitter.com/78gTbCzDSS
— Middle School 74 (@TEAM74Q) September 21, 2021

The U.S. Department of Education program began 39 years ago and has given approximately 10,000 awards to more than 9,000 schools.

Schools are placed in one of two performance categories based on all student scores, subgroup student scores and graduations rates. The first is exemplary high-performing schools, based on state assessments or nationally normed tests. The second is exemplary achievement gap-closing schools, which are institutions that have closed achievement gaps between student groups and all students.

“This year’s cohort of honorees demonstrates what is possible when committed educators and school leaders create vibrant, welcoming and affirming school cultures where rich teaching and learning can flourish,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona. “I commend all our Blue Ribbon honorees for working to keep students healthy and safe while meeting their academic, social, emotional and mental health needs.”

Cardona also commended the Blue Ribbon Schools for persevering and thriving when COVID-19 posed a variety of challenges to learning.

“In the face of unprecedented circumstances, you found creative ways to engage, care for, protect and teach our children,” Cardona said. “Blue Ribbon Schools have so much to offer and can serve as a model for other schools and communities so that we can truly build back better.”

See the list of National Blue Ribbon Schools in New York state. Schools in New York City are in bold.