The National Blue Ribbon Schools Program is a United States Department of Education award program that recognizes exemplary public and non-public schools on a yearly basis. The program recognizes schools based on their overall academic excellence or their progress in closing achievement gaps among student subgroups. The U.S. Department of Education is responsible for administering the program, which is supported through ongoing collaboration with the National Association of Elementary School Principals, Association for Middle Level Education, and the National Association of Secondary School Principals.

The National Blue Ribbon Schools represent the full diversity of American schools, including public schools, charter schools, magnet schools, and non-public schools such as parochial and independent schools. The schools are urban, suburban, and rural, large and small, traditional and innovative, and serve students of every social, economic, and ethnic background.

The award affirms the hard work of students, educators, families, and communities in creating safe and welcoming schools where students master challenging and engaging content. The National Blue Ribbon School flag gracing an entry or flying overhead is a widely recognized symbol of exemplary teaching and learning. Each school receives a plaque and flag to signify its exemplary status, and these schools serve as examples for other schools throughout the nation.

In summary, a National Blue Ribbon School is a school that has been recognized by the U.S. Department of Education for its overall academic excellence or progress in closing achievement gaps among student subgroups. The program recognizes public and non-public elementary, middle, and high schools that represent the full diversity of American schools and serve as examples for other schools throughout the nation.