Indiana announces inaugural recipients of state Blue Ribbon Schools designation

INDIANAPOLIS — Eleven public and private schools across Indiana were recently selected as the inaugural recipients of the Indiana Blue Ribbon Schools designation.

Accoridng ot a news release from the Indiana Department of Education, the schools were chosen for their “exceptional academic achievement and commitment to student success.”

“These schools have fostered environments of excellence, serving as models of educational leadership and impact for communities statewide and beyond,” the release said.

While the national Blue Ribbon Schools designation was first established in 1982, the release said that the U.S. Department has encouraged states to continue to celebrate the achievements of their local schools “as education is returned to the states.”

“Through the unwavering collaboration of teachers, school leaders, parents, and entire communities, Indiana students are achieving strong results,” Indiana Gov. Mike Braun said in teh release. “This inaugural cohort of Indiana Blue Ribbon Schools is a model for others across our state and nation of what is possible when we put students first.”

Indiana’s 2025 Blue Ribbon schools include:

• Batesville High School – Batesville Community School Corporation
• Brandywine Elementary School – New Palestine Community Schools
• Charles Elementary School – Richmond Community Schools
• Creekside Middle School – Carmel Clay Schools
• East Side Elementary School – Clay Community Schools
• Immaculate Heart of Mary School – Indianapolis
• South Terrace Elementary – MSD North Posey County Schools
• St. John the Evangelist School – St. John
• St. Louis de Montfort School – Fishers
• St. Mary’s Catholic School – North Vernon
• St. Phillip School – Mount Vernon

“As we celebrate this remarkable accomplishment, I want to commend the leadership of these schools, the dedication of the teachers and staff, and the incredible work ethic of the students and families,” Katie Jenner, Indiana’s secretary of education, said in the release. “Together, you have created a culture of learning that maximizes every student’s potential and prepares them for a future filled with opportunity.”

The release said that the honored schools will be recognized as part of the fourth annual Educational Excellence Awards gala in Indianapolis on Nov. 21.