Two elementaries and an intermediate school in north Fresno have been named National Blue Ribbon Schools, the only schools in the Valley spanning from Modesto to the Grapevine in Kern County to be recognized for their academic excellence and student success.

Two of the schools are in Clovis Unified School District, Kastner Intermediate and Liberty Elementary in northeast Fresno, and the third is Central Unified School District’s Norman Liddell Elementary in northwest Fresno. Liddell is Central Unified’s first-ever school to be recognized as a National Blue Ribbon School.

Altogether, 31 California schools were recognized as Blue Ribbon Schools. The program previously was operated by the U.S. Department of Education, but it was eliminated and recognition was turned over to the states.

Central Unified officials said in a news release that staff, students, and families deserve much credit for the school’s accomplishments, which includes rigorous instruction, strong intervention supports, enriching experiences, welcoming culture, and deep community partnerships.

“Liddell is not just a school. it is a community. This honor reflects the heart, hard work, and shared commitment of our staff, students, and families. I am incredibly proud to be the principal of the first school in Central Unified to receive this national recognition,” principal Erin Gunstream said.

Central Unified Superintendent Mark E Marshall expressed his pride in the school’s national award: “This recognition speaks to Liddell’s unwavering belief in every student’s potential. The school’s culture of high expectations, support, and collaboration exemplifies the very best of Central Unified. We are proud to celebrate this milestone with the Liddell community.”

Clovis Unified Superintendent Praises Schools’ Staffers

Clovis Unified Superintendent Corrine Folmer said in a news release that she is “extremely proud” of the schools’ staff.

“News that Liberty Elementary and Kastner Intermediate have both been recognized as National Blue Ribbon Schools is incredible affirmation of the care, intentionality, and innovation of these educational teams to inspire our students to be their best,” Folmer said. “On a national stage their work stands out, and I am extremely proud of every person on the Liberty and Kastner campuses. They set a high bar for themselves and their students, and their reflective instructional strategies are evident in the academic success their students have achieved.”

Blue Ribbon schools are among the nation’s highest performing based on student scores, subgroup scores, and graduation rates.

Liberty Principal George Petersen and Kastner Principal Julie Duwe said in the news release that their school staffs worked hard and deserve much credit.

““I would like to extend my heartfelt appreciation to the entire school staff for their unwavering commitment to student achievement. Our staff’s hard work, instructional expertise, and dedication to excellence have made a measurable impact on student growth. Their passion for teaching and belief in every student’s potential continues to drive our success. I am incredibly proud to work alongside such a talented and devoted team,” Petersen said.

“The Kastner staff is a remarkable group of individuals working towards a common goal of closing the achievement gap. The staff truly believe all students have the potential to learn and that building meaningful connections with them during this pivotal stage of their development is essential. Their commitment to academic growth and student well-being is the foundation of our school’s success. I am truly honored to lead such an exceptional group of educators,” Duwe said.