Clayton High School (CHS) has been named a National Blue Ribbon School (NBRS) for 2020 and is one of only seven schools in the state to receive this honor. CHS was nominated in the Exemplary High Performing Schools category. CHS now joins a select list of schools across the country who have received this award more than once since the program began in 1982. The CHS awards profile can be found here.

"Receiving a nomination to even be considered a National Blue Ribbon School was a tremendous honor," said Dr. Dan Gutchewsky, Principal of CHS. "For CHS to officially be named to this list for the second time is incredible. An accolade of this stature isn't just handed out; it takes momentous amounts of hard work and dedication from both our students and staff," Gutchewsky added. "They are the faces behind this award."

The National Blue Ribbon Schools Program recognizes public and private elementary, middle and high schools based on their overall academic excellence or their progress in closing achievement gaps among student subgroups. Every year the U.S. Department of Education seeks out and celebrates great American schools, schools demonstrating that all students can achieve to the highest levels.

"Clayton High School is nationally recognized for its academic tradition and commitment to developing graduates who are capable of contributing to our global society," noted Superintendent Sean Doherty. "The faculty at CHS is the cornerstone of its success. Teachers and students, together, create an atmosphere of academic excellence and growth," added Doherty. "It’s this kind of learning community that exemplifies the standards of a National Blue Ribbon School."

The NBRS is one of the highest awards given by the U.S. Department of Education and each state is allowed a very limited number of nominees. The competition requires an extensive application process and uses numerous data points in their criteria. The National Blue Ribbon School award affirms the hard work of students, educators, families, and communities in creating safe and welcoming schools where students master challenging content.