Two more Step Up schools earn prestigious National Blue Ribbon Schools distinction

St. Michael Academy in Fernandina Beach and St. John Paul II Catholic High School in Tallahassee were among the 15 Florida schools to be recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as 2024 National Blue Ribbon Schools.

They are the only private schools of the 15.

Both accept Florida educational choice scholarships managed by Step Up For Students.

The results were based on test scores from the 2023-24 school year and reflect the achievements of the teachers, administrators, and the students and their families. The ED recognized 356 schools nationwide this year. St. John Paul II was one of only 40 private high schools to receive this distinction.

Private schools are recognized in two categories:

• Exemplary High Performing: Schools that have student achievement in English and mathematics among the top 15% in the country, measured by nationally normed tests.
• Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing: Schools that have student achievement in English and mathematics in the top 30% of the country, measured by nationally normed tests. Schools must also have at least 30% of the students from disadvantaged backgrounds who are performing at similar levels to their peers.

“The National Blue Ribbon Schools Award is a testament to the exceptional achievements of students and educators at each of these schools,” U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona said in a release. “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. 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.”

St. Michael, a pre-K-8 school with 230 students, was recognized as an Exemplary High Performing school.

“Our curriculum doesn't center around achieving the Blue Ribbon,” Principal Tricey Godfrey said. “I think it's as a result of the things that we do every day that we were able to apply for the for the Blue Ribbon and that starts with an aggressive curriculum that is centered on traditional academic values. We focus on the student.”

Godfrey said her students are challenged to be critical thinkers and understand the importance of fluency in reading, writing, and mathematics.

“We produce very well-rounded students who know how to be self-reliant and are willing to not just excel, but to work hard to excel,” she said.

St. John Paul II, with a student body of 185, was honored as an Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing school.

According to a release sent out by the school, St. John Paul II earned the Blue Ribbon because its small class sizes, athletic opportunities, personalized college advising, and strong spiritual focus create a unique, well-rounded high school experience. The school is committed to educational equity, especially for first-generation college students by offering resources and support to help them achieve their academic and personal goals.

Also, reacting to the growing concern around the mental health of students, the school provides programs to support students emotionally and psychologically, so they are equipped with the tools to handle life’s challenges in a compassionate environment.

“The main component of Catholic education throughout the years is to serve people that cannot otherwise afford a good education,” Principal Luisa Zalzman said. “For us, having this award, not only for academic excellence, but for closing the gap, meaning getting these students that could not have found any other way to have the opportunity of a better education and close the gap and receive the opportunity to go to college, to get the best out of every single student we have, is really fulfilling.”

Roger Mooney, manager, communications, can be reached at [email protected].