The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) has announced eight Missouri Gold Star Schools for 2021. The program, which aligns with the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program sponsored by the U.S. Department of Education, recognizes schools for outstanding academic achievement or for performing at high levels while serving a significant proportion of disadvantaged students.

Missouri’s 2021 Gold Star Schools include:

• Bloomfield Middle School, Bloomfield R-XIV School District
• Delta Woods Middle School, Blue Springs R-IV School District
• Wydown Middle School, Clayton School District
• Francis Howell Middle School, Francis Howell R-III School District
• Skyline Middle School, Hickory Co. R-I School District
• North Kirkwood Middle School, Kirkwood R-VII School District
• Mansfield Junior High School, Mansfield R-IV School District
• Wilson’s Creek 5-6 Intermediate Center, Springfield R-XII School District

“I am honored to recognize the students, faculty, and staff at these schools who have worked hard to earn this recognition,” said Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education Margie Vandeven. “Each of these schools sets high standards while remaining committed to meeting the needs of every student.”

In 2021, Missouri chose to recognize high performing public schools serving fifth through eighth grade students that met the criteria outlined for National Blue Ribbon Schools in English language arts and mathematics.

Recognition events to celebrate each school’s designation as a 2021 Gold Star School will take place in the coming weeks with DESE representatives and local school officials. Media interested in event details should email DESE Communications, noting the school(s) they wish to attend.

The Missouri Gold Star Schools program was established in 1991 and uses the same criteria for nomination as the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program. The U.S. Department of Education’s Blue Ribbon Schools will be announced this fall.

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