Rhode Island Honors 2025 Blue Ribbon Schools

Rhode Island Honors 2025 Blue Ribbon Schools

Published on Wednesday, October 01, 2025

Melville Elementary School in Portsmouth, Pocasset Elementary School in Tiverton, and Robert L. Bailey, IV Elementary School in Providence Receive Prestigious Recognition

Providence, RI - Governor Dan McKee, Commissioner Angélica Infante-Green, and the Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE) today announced the establishment of the State of Rhode Island Blue Ribbon Schools Awards Program and recognized three schools as 2025 awardees: Melville Elementary School in Portsmouth, Pocasset Elementary School in Tiverton, and Robert L. Bailey, IV Elementary School in Providence.

In late August, the Federal Department of Education (ED) abruptly ended the longstanding National Blue Ribbon program, which was established by President Reagan in 1982. Using long-established federal criteria, Melville Elementary was selected as an Exemplary High Performing School. Both Pocasset Elementary and Bailey Elementary were selected as Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing Schools.

"Each of these schools represents the best of Rhode Island and I'm proud to be honoring them at the state level," said Governor Dan McKee. "The strides these school communities have made are not by luck but rather by hard work and dedication. Congratulations to the students, families, and teachers who made this achievement possible."

The three Rhode Island schools recognized today had been nominated for the national Blue Ribbon award earlier this year and were awaiting ED's official announcement recognizing their achievement.

"While we are deeply disappointed by the federal government's unexpected cancellation of the Blue Ribbon program, we remain committed to celebrating the achievements of Rhode Island's exceptional schools," said Commissioner Angélica Infante-Green. "Melville Elementary School, Pocasset Elementary School, Robert L. Bailey, IV Elementary School exemplify excellence in teaching and learning and their student and teachers deserve this honor."

Using established federal Department of Education criteria, Exemplary High-Performing Schools represent the state's highest performing schools, as measured by state assessments or nationally normed tests. Exemplary Achievement Gap-Closing Schools represent the state's highest performing schools in closing achievement gaps between a school's student groups and all students.

What They Are Saying:

"Blue Ribbon Schools represent the best of our state education system on the national stage, and we want to ensure they are applauded for their tireless work," said Rhode Island Education Chair Michael Grey. "I join leaders from across the Ocean State in saluting this year's winners for their unwavering commitment to academic excellence."

"As we continue to promote greater academic achievement, it's important we take time to honor the school communities that serve as inspiring examples of what is possible," said Council on Elementary and Secondary Education Chair Patti DiCenso. "The Council on Elementary and Secondary Education is pleased to join the chorus of Rhode Islanders congratulating this year's three Blue Ribbon Schools."

"I join students, parents, educators, and community partners in congratulating the entire Bailey Elementary School community on their recognition as a Rhode Island Blue Ribbon School," said Superintendent Dr. Javier Montañez. "We are excited to celebrate our second Blue Ribbon School under the Providence Turnaround Plan, reflecting our collective commitment to ensuring excellence in learning in every classroom. This is yet another sign of the strong momentum our school community has built over the last few years."

"The entire Bailey school community is overjoyed to be recognized for our commitment to opening doors of opportunity for every student," said Principal Alicia Jones. "We believe in the limitless potential of every child, and that belief drives our work to close achievement gaps and ensure equitable outcomes. Being named a Blue Ribbon School, only the second elementary school in PPSD's history, is a powerful affirmation of our collective efforts."

"Congratulations to the Pocasset Elementary School and greater Tiverton community for earning the well-deserved Blue Ribbon School award," said Tiverton Superintendent Christopher Haskins. "Pocasset's exemplary performance is the result of excellent teaching, strong student effort, responsive leadership, and supportive families. We are proud to share in this enormous honor of your accomplishments."

"Our school is a place where standards are kept high, children are celebrated, community is crafted and built, educators care deeply and craft instruction well, and everyone bands together to ensure students have what they need to thrive," said Pocasset Elementary Principal Amy Donnelly-Roche. "We are proud of Pocasset being recognized with this honor!"

"The Melville Elementary community is proud to be recognized as an Exemplary High Performing School," said Melville Elementary Principal Danielle Laurie. "This Blue Ribbon honor reflects our students' academic excellence, the dedication of our teachers, and the strength of a community united in a commitment to doing what is best for our students."

"The Portsmouth Community is so proud of Melville School for receiving a National Blue Ribbon as recognition of its exemplary high performance," said Portsmouth Superintendent Elizabeth Viveiros. "The resilience of our students, the dedication of our leadership and staff, and the support of our families and community have made our district's goal of 'charting our course to excellence' a reality. Amazing job, Melville!"