Brainerd schools rule in national 'Blue Ribbon' honors

The U.S. Department of Education has named eight Minnesota schools to its National Blue Ribbon program. Six of the eight are elementary schools in the Brainerd district.

The award recognizes schools for high academic performance and narrowing the achievement gap between white students and students of color and low income students.

The district analyzes test scores to find students needing the most help and then delivers "very specific interventions," said Brainerd superintendent Klint Willert. The district also works to offer challenging programs to students who excel academically, he added.

A total of 337 schools across the country were named Blue Ribbon Schools for 2014.

Exemplary High Performing Schools
• Battle Lake Secondary (Battle Lake School District)
• Baxter Elementary (Brainerd Public School District)
• Lowell Elementary (Brainerd Public School District)
• Nisswa Elementary (Brainerd Public School District)

Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing Schools
• Garfield Elementary (Brainerd Public School District)
• Harrison Elementary (Brainerd Public School District)
• Riverside Elementary (Brainerd Public School District)
• A.C.G.C. Elementary (A.C.G.C. Public School District)

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