The Department has recognized eight high-achieving public schools as Gold Star Schools. The Gold Star Schools program is designed to identify schools that are performing at a high academic level or who are performing at a high level while serving a significant proportion of disadvantaged students.

The 2014 recipients are:

• Concord Elementary, Lindbergh Schools, St. Louis County
• East Elementary, Ozark R-VI School District
• Festus Elementary, Festus R-VI School District
• Henry Elementary, Parkway C-2 School District, St. Louis County
• Lincoln College Prep, Kansas City 33 School District
• Long Elementary, Lindbergh Schools, St. Louis County
• Mason Ridge Elementary, Parkway C-2 School District, St. Louis County
• North Glendale Elementary, Kirkwood R-VII School District

“Congratulations to these schools for achieving this standard of excellence,” said Commissioner of Education Chris Nicastro. “They are laying the foundation beginning in the elementary grades to ensure students graduate prepared for college and career.”

College and career readiness is a primary goal for the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education's Top 10 by 20 initiative, which calls for student achievement in Missouri to rank in the top 10 nationwide by 2020.

The Gold Star Schools program was established by the Department in 1991 and aligns with the national Blue Ribbon Schools program sponsored by the U.S. Department of Education. The Gold Star Schools program uses the same criteria for nomination as the National Blue Ribbon Schools program. Recipients of the state’s award were nominated for national Blue Ribbon recognition. Blue Ribbon Schools must meet additional criteria and will be announced this fall by the U.S. Department of Education.