Folwell Elementary School is one of 353 nationwide schools recognized today by the U.S. Department of Education as National Blue Ribbon Schools for 2023. The recognition is based on a school’s overall academic performance or progress in closing achievement gaps among student subgroups.
“This recognition is a tribute to the staff, students, and families of Folwell,” said Rochester Public Schools Superintendent Kent Pekel. “At the same time, it is a credit to the entire community of Rochester. This is a place where our public schools regularly achieve both excellence and equity. We are committed to continuing that progress across our entire system in the years ahead.”
National Blue Ribbon Schools serve as models of effective school practices for state and district educators and other schools nationwide. A National Blue Ribbon School flag gracing a school’s entryway or on a flagpole is a widely recognized symbol of exemplary teaching and learning.
“What an honor it is to be recognized as a 2023 National Blue Ribbon School,” said Principal Kristin Engbrecht Smith. “Folwell Elementary School is such a special place with amazing daily learning experiences. We are proud of each and every person in our sweet school community. We are Folwell – together, we SOAR!”
With its 40th cohort, the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program has bestowed approximately 10,000 awards to more than 9,700 schools.