This is an extraordinary achievement for our community.”

Barrington Superintendent of Schools Michael Messore

Barrington High School has earned the highest honor from the U.S. Department of Education … again.

On Friday morning, Sept. 16, U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona announced the list of 297 schools to win National Blue Ribbon awards this year — included toward the top of the list was Barrington High School. It was the third National Blue Ribbon Award for BHS in the past 20 years.

The recognition is based on a school’s overall academic performance or progress in closing achievement gaps among student subgroups. Barrington High School earned the prestigious award for “Exemplary High Performing Schools.”

“The Blue Ribbon School designation is the highest honor the U.S. Department of Education awards to schools. These schools must demonstrate either exceptionally high achievement or dramatic improvement in the school as a whole and among student groups,” stated a press release from the district.

Michael Messore said this was the third time Barrington High School has earned a National Blue Ribbon Award. The local high school was also selected for the honor in 2002 and 2016.

“It’s a real reflection on the school — the work the teachers are doing in the building and the hard work of our students,” Messore said during an interview on Friday morning. Messore added that the selection process for the National Blue Ribbon Award has become very stringent. 

In a press release to the district, Messore wrote: “With a long and rich tradition of academic excellence, Barrington is honored and excited regarding the news of being recognized as a National Blue Ribbon School. This is an extraordinary achievement for our community. Barrington High School prides itself on the accomplishments of our students and the quality of our staff. Being recognized as a Blue Ribbon School is a reflection of the hard work of our educators and students, as well as our community’s continued commitment to supporting our schools and students.”

Messore said there were three people who helped compile the information needed as part of the award selection process — former BHS Principal Joe Hurley, and BHS teachers Steve Pickford and Kevin Blanchard. 

“They did a lot of work,” Messore said. “It was a long time writing it and gathering data.”

Three schools in Rhode Island earned National Blue Ribbons this year: Barrington High School, Captain Isaac Paine Elementary School in Foster, and Fort Barton School in Tiverton. 

Sec. Cardona praised all the schools to earn National Blue Ribbons.

“I applaud all the honorees for the 2022 National Blue Ribbon Schools Award for creating vibrant, welcoming, and affirming school communities where students can learn, grow, reach their potential, and achieve their dreams,” Sec. Cardona said. “As our country continues to recover from the pandemic, we know that our future will only be as strong as the education we provide to all of our children. Blue Ribbon Schools have gone above and beyond to keep students healthy and safe while meeting their academic, social, emotional, and mental health needs. These schools show what is possible to make an enduring, positive difference in students’ lives.” 

Up to 420 schools across the country may be nominated each year. The RI Department of Education nominated Barrington High School for the award this year. 

Previous Blue Ribbon winners in Barrington

Barrington Middle School received the honor in 2003 and 2014. Nayatt School is a 2015 National Blue Ribbon School.