The School of Innovation in Willoughby Hills was recently named a 2024 National Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education. The STEM-focused school — which refers to Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics — within the Willoughby-Eastlake City School District serves grades three through eight. It’s among only 14 schools in Ohio to be named. The School of Innovation in Willoughby Hills was recently named a 2024 National Blue Ribbon School by the United States Department of Education. (Gina Kevern) Additionally, this is the first time since 2005 that a Lake County school has earned this distinction, according to a Willoughby-Eastlake City Schools news release. The district’s Royalview Elementary was previously honored in 1997. The National Blue Ribbon Schools Award recognizes schools that achieve outstanding academic performance or make significant progress in closing achievement gaps among student groups. The 2024 cohort includes 356 schools nationwide, all of which serve as models of excellence in education, according to the release. “We are deeply honored to receive this national recognition,” said Superintendent Patrick Ward. “The School of Innovation embodies our district’s commitment to providing students with an exemplary, future-ready education. To have one of our schools recognized as a top-performing institution in the country speaks volumes to our community’s trust in our schools.” Additionally, the recognition speaks volumes to the collective efforts of the district’s staff, students and families, Ward said. “This serves as a beacon of inspiration as we continue to ensure every student has access to innovative, engaging learning experiences that prepare them for career, college, military and life,” he said. A National Blue Ribbon School Award flag is displayed in awarded schools’ entryways or on a flagpole. The U.S. Department of Education recognizes all schools based on student performance data, including assessment results, student subgroup performance and graduation rates. Up to 420 schools are able to be nominated annually. The award is a testament to the exceptional achievements of students and educators at each of these schools, said U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona. “The 2024 National Blue Ribbon Schools are raising the bar for our nation’s students, serving as models for effective teaching and intentional collaboration in their schools, and communities,” he said. “As we celebrate their achievements, let us look to these schools for inspiration as we champion education as the foundation of a brighter future for every child.” Schools are recognized in both or either of the two performance categories: • Exemplary High School Performing Schools, which are schools that are among the top performers in their state as measured by state assessments or nationally normed tests. • Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing Schools, which are schools that excel in narrowing achievement gaps between different student groups and the overall student body. School of Innovation Principal Michael Bonick said the award reflects the dedication of the district’s entire community — students, staff, parents, local business and community partners. Since opening in 2015, the School of Innovation has fostered an environment where problem-solving, creative thinking and leadership skills thrive, Bonick said. “Together, we’ve built something special and this recognition is a testament to the shared vision, and hard work of everyone involved,” he said. The district will be represented at the National Blue Ribbon Schools award ceremony in November by Ward and Bonick. For more information, visit nationalblueribbonschools.ed.gov.