Maryland Gov. Wes Moore has announced 23 schools selected for the state’s Blue Ribbon Schools program for the 2026–2027 academic year, recognizing institutions for strong academic performance and efforts to close achievement gaps.
The honorees include 12 public schools, six Catholic schools affiliated with the Archdiocese of Baltimore, and five Catholic schools affiliated with the Archdiocese of Washington.
Moore announced the selections Tuesday, praising the schools for their work to improve educational outcomes and provide students with high-quality learning opportunities.
“Here in Maryland we have the talent and the drive to have the best schools in the nation, and these exceptional institutions are leading our state in that effort,” Moore said in the official announcement.
“While our administration works to ensure every Maryland student has a world-class education, we are proud to honor a growing cohort of schools that embody the best of what our state has to offer,” he added.
How Maryland Selected the Blue Ribbon Schools
According to the governor’s announcement, schools were selected based on their performance on state and national assessments, as well as their success in closing achievement gaps among different groups of students.
The recognition highlights schools that demonstrate academic achievement while working to improve educational opportunities for their students.
The 23 honorees will receive a Maryland Blue Ribbon School banner, a flag and an award citation. They are also scheduled to be formally recognized during the Maryland State Board of Education meeting on Dec. 8 and during the General Assembly’s legislative session next spring.
Maryland Public Schools Named Blue Ribbon Honorees
Twelve public schools across Maryland were selected for the 2026–2027 recognition. Baltimore County and Montgomery County each have three schools on the list, while Harford County has two.
Anne Arundel, Carroll and Frederick counties each have one honoree. Baltimore School for the Arts is the only school from Baltimore City included among the public school selections.
The 12 public schools are:
- Baltimore School for the Arts — Baltimore City Public Schools
- Beverly Farms Elementary — Montgomery County Public Schools
- Fort Garrison Elementary School — Baltimore County Public Schools
- Homestead-Wakefield Elementary School — Harford County Public Schools
- Kingsville Elementary School — Baltimore County Public Schools
- Liberty High School — Carroll County Public Schools
- Red Pump Elementary School — Harford County Public Schools
- Seventh District Elementary School — Baltimore County Public Schools
- Severn River Middle School — Anne Arundel County Public Schools
- Somerset Elementary School — Montgomery County Public Schools
- Travilah Elementary School — Montgomery County Public Schools
- Urbana Middle School — Frederick County Public Schools
The selections span elementary, middle and high school levels, reflecting the range of public schools recognized through the state program.
Six Catholic Schools From the Archdiocese of Baltimore
Six Catholic schools affiliated with the Archdiocese of Baltimore were named Blue Ribbon honorees. They are located in Anne Arundel, Baltimore and Howard counties.
The schools are:
- Monsignor Slade Catholic School — Anne Arundel County
- Resurrection of St. Paul School — Howard County
- School of the Incarnation — Anne Arundel County
- St. Augustine School — Howard County
- St. Joseph School — Baltimore County
- St. Stephen School — Baltimore County
Their inclusion brings the number of Catholic schools recognized through the two archdioceses to 11.
Five Catholic Schools From the Archdiocese of Washington
Five additional Catholic schools affiliated with the Archdiocese of Washington were selected. They are located in Calvert, Montgomery and St. Mary’s counties.
The honorees are:
- Cardinal Hickey Academy — Calvert County
- Father Andrew White, S.J. School — St. Mary’s County
- St. Andrew Apostle School — Montgomery County
- St. Bartholomew School — Montgomery County
- St. John the Baptist School — Montgomery County
Together, the 12 public schools and 11 Catholic schools account for all 23 institutions named in the 2026–2027 announcement.
Maryland Revives Its Blue Ribbon Schools Program
Maryland’s Blue Ribbon Schools recognition program returned last year after the U.S. Department of Education discontinued its national Blue Ribbon Schools program.
Moore’s administration reinstated the state initiative to recognize schools demonstrating strong academic performance and progress in addressing achievement gaps. The previous year’s Maryland list included seven schools statewide.
The new group of 23 honorees represents an increase from last year’s total, expanding the number of schools recognized under the state program.
The upcoming award presentations will give the schools formal recognition for their reported achievements and efforts to support student learning.
For families, educators and communities across Maryland, the announcement provides a statewide look at the public and Catholic schools selected for this year’s honors.
