A record number of Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Chicago have been recognized with the National Blue Ribbon School Award this year. Ten schools received notification in August that they would be honored by the U.S. Department of Education, which has presented the award annually since 1982.

Catholic schools in the Archdiocese have received more National Blue Ribbon awards than any other public or private school system nationwide since the program began. This is the first time that 10 schools from the Archdiocese have been named winners in a single year. Non-public schools become eligible for recognition as exemplary high performing schools if their students' achievement ranks among the top 15 percent nationally in both reading and mathematics.

“This recognition shows how Catholic schools throughout Chicago and its suburbs are providing an excellent, well-rounded education for students,” said Greg Richmond, superintendent of Schools for the Archdiocese. “The students and educators in these 10 schools worked hard to achieve this level of excellence.”

The recognitions come during a notable year for Chicago’s Catholic schools, which also saw Leo High School participate in America’s Got Talent, Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Academy gain attention for a student papal conclave video, and a former St. Rita High School teacher elevated to the papacy.

“This has been a phenomenal year for Chicago’s Catholic schools,” Richmond said.

The Department of Education announced on August 29 that it will discontinue the National Blue Ribbon program after this year. Richmond noted that there will not be an official announcement or celebration event in Washington, D.C., as had occurred previously: “While the U.S. Department of Education will not be making an announcement or holding a celebration in Washington, D.C., as they have in years past,” said Richmond, “these 10 schools’ achievement is exemplary.”