Thurgood Marshall Elementary Named a 2023 National Blue Ribbon School   

Thurgood Marshall Elementary has been awarded the prestigious National Blue Ribbon Schools designation by the U.S. Department of Education. The school was one of two schools from Washington state and 353 schools across the country to receive the honor. 

The recognition is based on a school’s overall academic performance or progress in closing achievement gaps among student groups on assessments. It is a testament to the school’s dedication to providing a top-tier education for its students.   

“The honorees for our 2023 National Blue Ribbon Schools Award have set a national example for what it means to raise the bar in education,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona. “The leaders, educators, and staff at our National Blue Ribbon Schools continually inspire me with their dedication to fostering academic excellence and building positive school cultures that support students of all backgrounds to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.” 

In her 10th year as Thurgood Marshall’s leader, Principal Katie May expressed her gratitude to her staff for this outstanding achievement. 

“There’s never anything that’s done just by one person. It’s so much a team effort, and we just have such a great mix of people here – people who are so committed to our kids,” she said. “Our staff will say that working together is one of their favorite things and why they feel so invested in our school … I think it’s the work they do together that really makes the difference for the kids.” 

Principal May attributed the school’s success to the district’s Early Literacy Department and its support with curriculum, literacy coaching, and principal sessions. 

“It has really deepened the work we do around literacy. We are creating a community of children who love reading and who know they are competent readers,” she said. 

In a congratulatory message to the principal, Sen. Patty Murray shared her excitement. 

“This is so well-deserved, and we are thrilled that your school is being recognized,” the email read. 

Superintendent Brent Jones said receiving a national award of this caliber shows that Seattle Public Schools is getting it right when it comes to teaching students to read. 

“The fact that our schools are being recognized on a national stage for academics is a testament to the work we have poured into our strategic plan of focusing on early literacy,” Superintendent Jones said. “Thurgood Marshall has done a tremendous job utilizing the tools we have given them to help students achieve at a high level.” 

Thurgood Marshall Elementary School will be formally recognized at the National Blue Ribbon Schools virtual awards ceremony in November 2023.