Public schools interested in being considered for nomination should contact their State’s liaison to the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program to determine their eligibility.
Private/Non-public schools interested in being considered for nomination should contact the Council for American Private Education (CAPE) to determine their eligibility.
Number of Nominations per CSSO, DoDEA, BIE and CAPE
2025 National Blue Ribbon Schools Application
Additional Information for Non-Public Schools
- 2025 Assessment Information for Exemplary High Performing Schools
- 2025 Assessment Information for Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing Schools
- 2025 Timeline and Process for Non-Public Schools
Timeline and Process for the 2025 National Blue Ribbon Schools Program:
| Date | Due |
| October, 2024 | The Secretary of Education sends a letter of invitation to CSSOs and CAPE requesting nominations of eligible schools. |
| October, 2024 | Conduct webinar/TA conference calls to review guidance and application with state and program liaisons. |
December 27, 2024 | Nomination processes and data for public schools being considered for nomination from CSSOs are due to the Department. |
January 10, 2025 |
Hard copy of non-public school applications are due to CAPE. |
January 15-17, 2025 | Nomination processes and data for public schools being considered for nomination are reviewed by ED and a NBRS Assessment Panel for alignment with the general eligibility criteria of the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program. |
| January 31, 2025 | Approved public school nominations are entered by states into online portal. |
| February 6, 2025 | The Department invites public schools nominated by CSSOs to apply for recognition as National Blue Ribbon Schools. |
| February 21, 2025 | CAPE selects non-public school nominations. |
| April 11, 2025 | Completed public and non-public school applications are due to the Department. |
| April-June, 2025 | Applications are reviewed for completeness, quality, and accuracy. |
| August, 2025 | States certify that nominated public schools have met all eligibility requirements. |
| September, 2025 | The Secretary of Education announces the 2025 National Blue Ribbon Schools (public and non-public). |
| November, 2025 | Two representatives from each school, the principal and a teacher, attend the recognition ceremony in Washington, DC. |