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Five North Texas schools have been announced as part of the inaugural batch of Lone Star Ribbon schools earmarked by the Texas Education Agency for “outstanding academic performance and efforts to close achievement gaps.”
“Texas is on the pathway to become No. 1 in educating our children,” said Gov. Greg Abbott in a press release. “… I congratulate the 28 campuses who are now 2025 Lone Star Ribbon Schools. Together, we will chart a path toward a bigger, brighter Texas.”
The Lone Star Ribbon program replaces the former national Blue Ribbon program, which was abandoned by the Department of Education (DOE) under President Donald Trump’s direction, in the name of placing states in greater control of their education systems.
“In the spirit of Returning Education to the States, USED is ending its role in the program,” read a DOE letter. “State leaders are best positioned to recognize excellence in local schools based on educational achievements that align with their communities’ priorities for academic accomplishment and improvement.”
The Blue Ribbon program began in 1982, under the administration of President Ronald Reagan, and has been a prestigious honor awarded to 7,000 schools in its 43-year history. Blue Ribbon schools did not receive any additional funding or grants. The program was solely recognitiary, and the state version is as well.
“These 26 schools represent the very best of Texas public education,” said Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath. “This recognition reflects the hard work of our teachers, the perseverance of our students and the steadfast support of parents and communities. We applaud their achievement and thank Governor Abbott for recognizing and celebrating their success.”
Previously, Morath personally nominated a school for national recognition, which was distributed by the DOE.
This year’s honorees include St. Rita Catholic School in Dallas, Kent Elementary and Rosemeade Elementary Schools in Carrollton-Farmers Branch Independent School District, Harmony Science Academy in Euless and Dodd Elementary in Wylie.
The chosen schools are scattered across the state. Houston ISD, which Morath’s agency seized control of two years ago, had three schools recognized.
The North Texas districts with honored schools have been celebrating their recognition.
“Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD is proud to announce that two district schools were recognized as the first-ever 2025 Lone Star Ribbon Schools,” the district wrote in a press release. “Kent and Rosemeade elementary schools are among just [28] public schools in Texas that received this distinction, with CFBISD being the only North Texas district with multiple schools recognized.”
Wylie ISD also celebrated its recognition.
“Dodd Elementary exemplifies what makes Wylie ISD such a special place for students to grow and learn,” said Wylie ISD Acting Superintendent Dr. Kim Spicer in a release. “We are proud of the high standards our educators uphold and the strong relationships they build with families to support every child’s success. This recognition affirms what we already knew – Dodd is an incredible place for students to learn and grow.”
