St. Anne-Pacelli Catholic School is proud to be recognized as a 2023 National Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education. St. Anne-Pacelli Catholic School is one of 353 schools in America to receive National Blue Ribbon status this year. The U.S. Department of Education recognizes schools in one of two categories: Exemplary High-Performing or Exemplary Achievement Gap-Closing. St. Anne-Pacelli Catholic School is among the Exemplary High-Performing awardees, making St. Anne-Pacelli Catholic School among the state’s highest performing schools as measured by state assessments or nationally normed tests.

“The honorees for our 2023 National Blue Ribbon Schools Award have set a national example for what it means to Raise the Bar in education,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona. “The leaders, educators, and staff at our National Blue Ribbon Schools continually inspire me with their dedication to fostering academic excellence and building positive school cultures that support students of all backgrounds to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. As the Biden-Harris Administration partners with states and schools to accelerate academic success and transform educational opportunity in this country, we take tremendous pride in the achievements of these schools and their commitment to empowering educators, serving students, and engaging families.”

While awardee schools represent the diverse fabric of American schools, they also share some core elements. National Blue Ribbon School leaders articulate a vision of excellence and hold everyone to high standards. They demonstrate effective and innovative teaching and learning, and the schools value and support teachers and staff through meaningful professional learning. Data from many sources are used to drive instruction and every student strives for success. Families, communities, and educators work together toward common goals.

“This recognition is a testament to our commitment to excellence in education,” said St. Anne-Pacelli Catholic School President Ronie Collins. “Our faculty, staff, students, parents, and community work together to create an environment that fosters student achievement and a love for learning.”

Up to 420 schools may be nominated each year. The Department invites nominations for the National Blue Ribbon Schools award from the top education official in all states, the District of Columbia, U.S. territories, the Department of Defense Education Activity, and the Bureau of Indian Education. Private schools are nominated by the Council for American Private Education.

Located in Columbus, Georgia, St. Anne-Pacelli is a college preparatory, age 1 through 12th grade, private school dedicated to giving children opportunities to learn in a safe, supportive environment where they can develop relationships with others and with God.