Kings Chapel Elementary School has been named a 2022 National Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education. Miguel Cardona, the U.S. Secretary of Education, made the announcement on September 16 during his Road to Success Back to School bus tour. The U. S. Department of Education chose 297 schools for this national award. Located in Perry, Kings Chapel Elementary is one of six schools chosen in Georgia.  Mr. William Ray serves as principal.

According to the U.S. Department of Education, the National Blue Ribbon School award affirms and validates the hard work of students, educators, families, and communities in attaining exemplary achievement. National Blue Ribbon Schools serve as models of effective school practices for state and district educators throughout the nation. A National Blue Ribbon School flag gracing a school’s entryway is a widely recognized symbol of exemplary teaching and learning. 

Kings Chapel Elementary School was recognized as an Exemplary High Performing School. The Department recognizes all National Blue Ribbon Schools in one of two performance categories based on student scores and graduation rates. Exemplary High-Performing Schools are among their state’s highest performing schools as measured by state assessments or nationally normed tests. Exemplary Achievement Gap-Closing Schools are among their state’s highest performing schools in closing achievement gaps between a school’s student groups and all students.

“It’s a tremendous honor for Kings Chapel to be recognized as a National Blue Ribbon School,” said Mr. Ray. “This national award is a testament to the hard work of our staff and students, as well as the support we receive from our District and community.  I’m thrilled to share this great news with our students and parents. We are KCES!” 

Approximately 630 students attend Kings Chapel Elementary School. The school’s mission is to prepare all students to achieve their highest levels of learning through continuous growth. School administrators emphasize the importance of academic, behavioral, and social-emotional growth.  Other priorities for the school include a safe learning environment, professional learning communities for faculty, and strong relationships with students and families.    

Houston County School Superintendent Dr. Mark Scott said, “The teachers, administrators, and support staff at Kings Chapel Elementary are extremely deserving of this award. Staff at all levels are committed to academic success, and our students have grown tremendously because of their dedication. Congratulations to Kings Chapel on this national recognition!”

The 273 public and 24 private schools will be recognized at a conference and awards ceremony in Washington, D.C. in November. A full list of 2022 National Blue Ribbon Schools is available athttps://www.nationalblueribbonschools.ed.gov/ and includes photographs and brief descriptions of the recipients.