Quail Run Elementary School has been named a 2023 National Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education. Miguel Cardona, the U.S. Secretary of Education, made the announcement on September 19. The U.S. Department of Education chose 353 schools for this national award. Located in Warner Robins, Quail Run Elementary is one of eight schools chosen in Georgia. Dr. Amanda Miliner 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. 

Quail Run 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.

“I am honored for Quail Run to receive this national award, because our teachers, staff, and students work tirelessly to set goals and implement steps to achieve them,” said Dr. Amanda Miliner, principal of Quail Run Elementary. “We attribute much of our success to the partnerships we have established with our families and community members. We are fortunate to have a supportive Board of Education, and we are humbled to represent the Houston County School District. PAWS UP, Cubs!" 

Approximately 655 students attend Quail Run Elementary. The school’s mission is to be a community that grows together and loves learning. School administrators encourage students to believe in themselves, achieve their goals, and succeed as lifelong learners. 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, “Quail Run Elementary School is extremely deserving of this national recognition. Their teachers, staff, and students have done exceptional work to promote academic excellence. This award reflects Quail Run’s unwavering commitment to our District’s mission to promote high achievement through continuous growth.” 

Quail Run Elementary School will be recognized at a conference and awards ceremony in Washington, D.C. in November. A full list of 2023 National Blue Ribbon Schools is available at https://www.nationalblueribbonschools.ed.gov/ and includes photographs and brief descriptions of the recipients.