Cabell County Schools is proud to announce Culloden Elementary School has been named a National Blue Ribbon School by the United States Department of Education (USDE). The school, which is among only 297 nationally to receive the recognition, is located at 19799 U.S. Route 60 East in Culloden, WV. 

In selecting it for the National Blue Ribbon School honor, the USDE has designated Culloden Elementary School as an “Exemplary High Performing School.” The USDE states on their website that “Exemplary High Performing Schools” have the highest achieving students (the top 15%) in English and mathematics, measured by state assessments (https://nationalblueribbonschools.ed.gov/background/). 

“I, the school district’s administration, and the members of the Cabell County Board of Education could not be prouder of Culloden’s outstanding accomplishment,” says Dr. Ryan Saxe, Superintendent of Cabell County Schools. Culloden Elementary School is being celebrated by the USDE as being among the absolute best schools in the nation. Each member of the school community working for their students’ success shares in this tremendous accomplishment.”

“Culloden is a community school where students, staff, parents and community members are unified in supporting their public school and its’ students’ success,” says Rhonda Smalley, President of the Cabell County Board of Education. “This prestigious award has been bestowed on only three schools in the state. Culloden’s dedicated staff has proven Cabell County’s public schools are committed to excellence and are among the top schools in the nation.”

According to the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program website, National Blue Ribbon schools differ in many ways, but “share some core elements of effective schools.” The site explains, “Their leaders not only articulate a vision of excellence and hold everyone to high standards, they stay close to the real action of teaching and learning. Mutual respect and trust run deep in their cultures. Faculty are supported by mentoring and professional development and have time to coordinate their work. Data from many sources drive adaptations to support every student. Families and educators work together in trust.”

“It is very validating to be recognized by the USDE for all of the hard work our staff and community have done to support students over the past few years,” says Holly Fisher, Principal of Culloden Elementary School. “The pandemic has been difficult for the nation’s children, but our school and district have worked together to address our students’ learning, social, emotional, and physical needs. Receiving the National Blue Ribbon School designation only inspires us to keep pushing forward as we help our students reach their full potential.”

Public schools are nominated by the Chief State School Officer in each state, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) and the Bureau of Indian Education (BIE). National Blue Ribbon Schools are honored at an annual awards ceremony in Washington, DC, where each receives a plaque and flag to signify its exemplary status. These schools serve as examples for other schools throughout the nation and details of their achievements are shared on the USDE website. To read more about Culloden on the USDE website, you may visit the following link: 

https://nationalblueribbonschools.ed.gov/awardwinners/winning/22wv102pu_culloden_elementary_school.html

For more information about Culloden Elementary School, please contact Principal Holly Fisher by calling (304) 743-7301.