Alief Early College High School and Kerr High School are among only 329 schools in the nation to be named as 2016 National Blue Ribbon schools. This award is based on their overall academic excellence or their progress in closing achievement gaps among student subgroups.

Only five high schools in Texas were named Blue Ribbon schools and the Alief ISD high schools are the only high schools in southeast Texas to earn this recognition.

“National Blue Ribbon Schools are proof that we can prepare every child for college and meaningful careers,” said U.S. Secretary of Education John B. King “Your schools are on the cutting edge, pioneering innovative educational practices—professional learning communities, project-based learning, social and emotional learning, positive behavior systems—making you shining examples for your communities, your state and the nation.”

The National Blue Ribbon Schools Program honors public and private elementary, middle and high schools where students achieve very high learning standards or are making notable improvements in closing the achievement gap. The award affirms the hard work of students, educators, families and communities in creating safe and welcoming schools where students master challenging content. The National Blue Ribbon Schools flag gracing a school’s building is a widely recognized symbol of exemplary teaching and learning. National Blue Ribbon Schools are an inspiration and a model for schools still striving for excellence.

“Having two high schools from the same district earn this honor is an extremely rare event,” said HD Chambers, superintendent of schools. “Congratulations to the students, teachers and all staff members at both of these high schools for this accomplishment.”

“Being named a Blue Ribbon School is amazing. This graduating class is our fourth graduating class and I am so proud of the hard work put in by our students and teachers who helped make this recognition possible,” said Kerry Beth Johnson, principal at Alief Early College High School.

“This recognition is a reflection of the hard work our staff and students put in on a daily basis. It is also a reflection of the outstanding teachers and students we have in this district,” said Greg Freeman, principal at Kerr High School.