A "Blue Ribbon School" is a designation given by the U.S. Department of Education to recognize outstanding public and private schools. This program honors schools that demonstrate high academic performance or significant improvement in student achievement. The award aims to highlight successful educational practices and encourage schools to strive for excellence. To qualify for the Blue Ribbon status, schools must meet specific criteria, including standardized test scores and overall student performance. The program was established in 1982 and has since celebrated thousands of schools across the nation, promoting the importance of quality education and effective teaching methods.