Gov. Moore Announces 23 Maryland Blue Ribbon Schools for 2026-2027

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Official release

Source material from Maryland Governor’s Office. The wording below is the issuer’s statement.

Gov. Moore Announces 23 Maryland Blue Ribbon Schools for 2026-2027

Press Release

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October 20, 2026

Updated: October 20, 2026

ANNAPOLIS, MD – Today, Governor Wes Moore announced the 2026-2027 Maryland Blue Ribbon Schools, honoring 23 exemplary schools throughout the state. The honorees include 12 Maryland public schools, six Archdiocese of Baltimore schools, and five Archdiocese of Washington schools. The program is administered by the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) in collaboration with the Archdiocese of Baltimore and Archdiocese of Washington.

Schools are considered for the honor based on various factors, including performance on state and national assessments, and success in closing achievement gaps among student groups. This year's cohort is an increase from the seven schools honored last year, and demonstrates the growing impact of the Moore-Miller administration’s work to improve academic outcomes throughout the state.

“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, ” said Gov. Moore. “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.”

Gov. Moore reinstated the program last year following the discontinuation of the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program by the U.S. Department of Education under President Trump in August 2025.

“Maryland Blue Ribbon Schools demonstrate what is possible when strong leadership, dedicated educators, and engaged families work together on behalf of students,” said Dr. Carey M. Wright, Maryland State Superintendent of Schools. “These schools are among the best of the best in our state, achieving one of the highest honors in education. We are proud and excited to celebrate their accomplishments.”

“Maryland’s Blue Ribbon Schools demonstrate what is possible when talented educators, dedicated students, and supportive communities come together around a shared commitment to excellence,” said Dr. Joshua L. Michael, Maryland State Board of Education President. “We celebrate their achievements and the example they set for schools across Maryland.”

“Academic excellence and faith formation go hand in hand in our Catholic schools. These Maryland Blue Ribbon School Awards affirm the dedication of our educators, the partnership of our families and the achievements of our students,” said Sister Patricia McCarron, Archdiocese of Baltimore Superintendent. “Rooted in Christ, our schools nurture each child’s intellectual, spiritual and personal growth, preparing students to use their gifts in service to others. We congratulate our honored school communities on this outstanding achievement.”

“We are incredibly proud to celebrate the Catholic schools of the Archdiocese of Washington recognized as Maryland Blue Ribbon Schools,” said Kelly Branaman, Archdiocese of Washington Superintendent of Schools. “This honor reflects the dedication of our exceptional educators, the commitment of our school leaders, and the partnership of families who work together to form students in faith, nurture academic excellence, and inspire a lifelong love of learning. It is a testament to the extraordinary work happening every day in our Catholic schools, where we educate the whole child and bring the light of the Gospel of Jesus Christ to life in our communities.”

The 2026 Maryland Blue Ribbon Schools are below:

Maryland Public Schools

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

Archdiocese of Baltimore

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

Archdiocese of Washington

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

The schools will be formally honored at the Maryland State Board of Education meeting on Tuesday, December 8, and during the General Assembly legislative session next spring. Schools will also receive a Maryland Blue Ribbon School banner, flag, and award citations.

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Release text attributed to Maryland Governor’s Office. Consult the official publication for any subsequent corrections or updates.