(KAIR)--Jefferson West Elementary School is named as one of three Kansas elementary schools selected as 2025 National Blue Ribbon Schools.

The announcement was made last week by Kansas Education Commissioner Dr. Randy Watson who, in a release, says the program, discontinued last month by the U.S. Department of Education, "recognized public and private elementary, middle and high schools in one of two performance categories." Those categories, the release says, are Exemplary High Performing Schools, which are those among the top performers in their state as measured by state assessments or nationally normed tests, and Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing Schools, which are those schools that excel in narrowing achievement gaps between different student groups and the overall student body.

Wes Sturgeon, principal of Jefferson West Elementary, in the release, said the school- staff, students, and families are “proudly recognizing this achievement, which highlights the dedication and collaboration that define the Jefferson West community,” adding that the "recognition represents years of hard work, high expectations, and a shared belief that every child can succeed.”

According to the release, educators in Blue Ribbon schools employ effective teaching methods with data-driven instruction, participate in robust professional development and collaborate with their students’ families and community in a concerted effort to ensure every student reaches their potential.

Jeff West Elementary is, the release notes, the first USD 340 school to be awarded this honor.

The other two 2025 Kansas winners were McLean Science Technology Magnet of Wichita USD 259 and Sterling Grade School of Sterling USD 376.