St. Gabriel is Only New England Private School to Receive Blue Ribbon

This year, only 49 private schools in the United States were recognized as Blue Ribbon Schools for academic excellence. was one of the 49, and the only private school in New England to be recognized.

Blue Ribbon recognition is the highest honor a U.S. school can receive from the United States Department of Education.

Nationally, 255 public schools were honored as well.

According to the Archdiocese of Hartford, in order for a school to be considered for the recognition, all grades in the school must score in the 85th percentile or better in reading and math on the Iowa Test of Basic Skills.

Students in grades 3 through 7 were tested at St. Gabriel, and each grade scored in the 90th percentile or above, the Archdiocese reported.

“St. Gabriel achieves excellence quietly, but very effectively as evidenced by this distinguished recognition. What they accomplish inside of the school – in the classrooms – is extraordinary,” said Superintendent of Catholic Schools Dale R. Hoyt.

According to a statement released by the Archdiocese of Hartford, the school's achievement can be credited to the work of the teachers to work with each individual student "based on their individual strengths and weaknesses."

St. Gabriel students, who are required to wear uniforms, will be awarded with a dress-down day on Fri., Sept. 16.

The Bloomfield Avenue school will be honored in the nation's capital November 14 and 15 during a national awards ceremony.