Caddo Parish Middle Magnet School was recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as a 2023 National Blue Ribbon School. The recognition is based on a school’s overall academic performance or progress in closing achievement gaps among student groups on assessments.
The announcement marks the third time CMM has received the nation’s highest honor for continued excellence in student achievement and the 17th award for Caddo Schools, solidifying Caddo’s status as one of the leading districts in Louisiana for National Blue Ribbon Schools.
“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.”
Gathering the students, staff and faculty of CMM together to announce the honor, Principal Robin DeBusk celebrated the continued efforts of students and educators that have led to CMM’s consistent recognition as the top-performing middle school in the state.
“The work you do is hard, but the results are life changing,” DeBusk said. “To our students, you may not see it now, but your future starts here, and the teachers here are preparing you for that future at the highest level. Thank you for what every one of you do and for showing what it means to be a part of Caddo Middle Magnet.”
For 40 years, the National Blue Ribbon School award has affirmed and validated the hard work of students, educators, families, and communities in striving for – and attaining – exemplary achievement. National Blue Ribbon Schools serve as models of effective and innovative school practices for state and district educators and other schools throughout the nation. A National Blue Ribbon School flag gracing a school’s entryway or on a flagpole is a widely recognized symbol of exemplary teaching and learning.
CMM now joins only 5 schools in the state with three National Blue Ribbon honors, including South Highlands Elementary Magnet School which earned the honor in 2022.
“Caddo Parish Public Schools prides ourselves in providing the highest quality educational opportunities to allow every child to achieve their big dreams,” said Dr. T. Lamar Goree, Superintendent of Caddo Schools. “Today is a reminder to our community, our state, and our nation of what Caddo can do as we show our students, teachers, and staff are not only capable of greatness but achieving it every day. Congratulations to Caddo Middle Magnet and all of this year’s honorees.”