Nixa's Mathews Elementary named National Blue Ribbon School for academic achievement

Claudette Riley, Springfield News-Leader
·2 min read

Two elementary schools in southwest Missouri have been recognized as part of the National Blue Ribbon Schools by the U.S. Department of Education.

The announcement was made Tuesday by the U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona.

The designation means Nixa's Mathews Elementary and Webb City's Harry S. Truman Elementary are among the top schools in the nation this year.

Mathews Elementary in Nixa Public Schools was named a National Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education.
Mathews Elementary in Nixa Public Schools was named a National Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education.

They landed on the list — along with six others across Missouri — for either their outstanding academic achievement, meaning they scored in the top 15% in the state on reading and math exams, or they performed at high levels while serving a high proportion of disadvantaged students.

The full list includes:

  • Betty Wheeler Classical Junior Academy, St. Louis

  • Chesterfield Elementary School, Rockwood

  • South High School, Fort Zumwalt

  • Harry S. Truman Elementary School, Webb City

  • Mallinckrodt Academy of Gifted Instruction, St. Louis

  • Mathews Elementary School, Nixa

  • Pierremont Elementary School, Parkway

  • Reed Elementary School, Ladue

“Our teachers and staff continue to work together in our shared goal to go above and beyond of preparing our students for success," said Nixa Superintendent Gearl Loden, in a news release.

"This award from the U.S. Department of Education recognizes the exceptional talent and skills of the Mathews Elementary team who has worked together to achieve this top honor at the state and national level."

Mathews Elementary in Nixa Public Schools was named a National Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education.
Mathews Elementary in Nixa Public Schools was named a National Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education.

Loden said Mathews is the third building in Nixa Public Schools to earn this top honor. The district, as a whole, has made the list a total of four times.

The eight schools recognized nationally Tuesday were honored in May as Missouri Gold Star Schools, a program established by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education in 1991.

All eight were then nominated for the national award.

“Congratulations to the students, teachers, and staff members at each of these schools for this extraordinary accomplishment,” said Margie Vandeven, Missouri Commissioner of Education, in a Tuesday release. “These schools go above and beyond to provide the best education possible for their students."

The 2023 National Blue Ribbon Schools award ceremony will be Nov. 16-17 in Washington D.C.

This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Mathews Elementary in Nixa named National Blue Ribbon School