ELKHART, Ind. - Jimtown Intermediate School, in Elkhart, joins the ranks of 353 schools nationally this year to earn the National Blue Ribbon distinction. 

The U.S. Department of Education recognized 353 schools, awarding them the National Blue Ribbon for academic performance and progress in closing educational gaps on student assessments.

“The honorees for our 2023 National Blue Ribbon Schools Award have set a national example for what it means to Raise the Bar in education,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona.

Indiana received the eighth highest number of Blue Ribbon distinctions this year under California (33), Texas (29), New York (22), Illinois (20), Ohio (19), Florida (14) and Pennsylvania (13). 

View a geographic breakdown on National Blue Ribbon website. 

11 Indiana school were recognized, including: 

• Avon High School (Avon Community School Corporation)
• Bishop Chatard High School* (Archdiocese of Indianapolis)
• DeMotte Elementary School (Kankakee Valley School Corporation)
• Jimtown Intermediate School (Baugo Community Schools)
• Merle Sidener Gifted Academy (Indianapolis Public Schools)
• Rolling Prairie Elementary School (New Prairie United School Corporation)
• St. Charles Catholic School* (Archdiocese of Indianapolis)
• St. John the Baptist Catholic School* (Diocece of Evansville)
• Sugar Grove Elementary School (Center Grove Community School Corporation)
• Union Center Elementary School (Union Township School Corporation)
• Unita Elementary School (Greater Clark County Schools)

*nonpublic schools

Jimtown Intermediate School in Elkhart celebrated their recognition with the Jimtown band marching and playing through their hallways. 

After 40 years of bestowing this award, the IDOE not only helps recognize the efforts of educators and students garnering high performing test scores, but also highlights schools with progress and growth towards academic excellence.

Much like the Terrel H. Bell, who the award is named after, this prestigious award affirms the hard work of each person involved, endeavoring to create communities where students thrive.