Four South Dakota Schools Win 2026 Blue Ribbon Awards

Excellence in education deserves celebration, and four South Dakota schools just proved they're doing something remarkably right.

The South Dakota Department of Education named Bishop O'Gorman High School, Legacy Elementary School, Corsica-Stickney Elementary, and Mount Vernon Middle School as 2026 Blue Ribbon Schools. The recognition honors schools with multiple years of outstanding student performance in English and math.

O'Gorman High School in Sioux Falls earned Blue Ribbon status for the fifth time. School leaders credit their success to maximizing every minute of instructional time and partnering closely with families to keep students in class and engaged.

Legacy Elementary in the Tea Area School District takes a student-centered approach that sets kids up for success. Students create their own learning charts and portfolios, tracking their progress and taking ownership of their education in ways that adapt to their individual needs.

The Ripple Effect

These schools aren't just posting impressive test scores. They're transforming how students see themselves as learners.

Corsica-Stickney Elementary, earning its fourth Blue Ribbon honor, brings teachers across grade levels together to spot students who need extra help. This year, they're doubling down on literacy through Science of Reading principles, an evidence-based approach that's helping more kids become confident readers.

Mount Vernon Middle School proves that relationships matter as much as instruction. Teachers use interim assessments and student data to identify learning gaps quickly, then target their teaching to fill those gaps while maintaining strong communication with families.

"These schools have made significant strides in ensuring they match the needs of their students," said South Dakota Secretary of Education Dr. Joseph Graves. The recognition celebrates schools that treat every student as an individual, not just a statistic.

The Blue Ribbon criteria includes measurable benchmarks: elementary and middle schools must demonstrate strong attendance rates, while high schools are evaluated on graduation rates alongside academic performance.

What makes these schools stand out isn't one magic solution. It's a commitment to meeting students where they are, tracking what works, and adjusting when needed.

These four schools show what's possible when educators focus on student success with consistency and care.

#