Three South Dakota schools have been selected as National Blue Ribbon Schools– and one of them is in Jones County.
The prestigious award recognizes schools for their progress in closing the achievement gap among student subgroups or for their excellence in overall academic performance.
The National Blue Ribbon Schools in South Dakota in 2025 are:
-
Jones County Middle School;
-
Howard High School; and
-
Warner Elementary School.
State Education Secretary Dr. Joe Graves says Jones County Middle School is recognized for helping its students with barriers find success in English, math and attendance. He says Jones County Middle School also actively engages families and the community, who all come together to play an integral role by supporting student activities and creating an enriching educational environment reflecting their investment in each student’s learning and success.
Graves says Howard High School and Warner Elementary are honored for their high scores in English and mathematics as well as graduation rate and attendance, respectively. Howard High School’s students reflect a hardworking, community-focused mentality that contribute to an environment that prioritizes academics, activities and volunteerism. The school’s academic success reflects the efforts of educators throughout the elementary, junior high, and high school continuum. Notably, the district also enjoys a foundation of parental support and encouragement that helps produce the outcomes that stem from high expectations.
Graves says Warner Elementary joins Warner High School, a 2024 Blue Ribbon School, in exemplifying the high expectations of the district. The school builds a strong foundation for learning through structured literacy and math instruction and targeted small-group interventions. They prioritize strong student and family relationships and rely on community partnerships to connect classroom learning to real-world opportunities.
Comments