Stoneleigh Elementary Honored as 2025 Maryland Blue Ribbon School

Stoneleigh Elementary School has earned a major academic honor. It was named a 2025 Maryland Blue Ribbon School. The announcement was made by Baltimore County Public Schools.

The school is one of just seven in the state to receive this distinction. This marks the revival of the state-level program after a multi-year pause.

Recognition for High Performance and Progress

The Maryland Blue Ribbon Schools Program has been reinstated for 2025. It replaces the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program, which the U.S. Department of Education ended last August. According to the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE), schools are selected for two main reasons.

Some schools are recognized for their high student performance on assessments. Others are honored for making significant progress in closing achievement gaps. Stoneleigh Elementary was celebrated for its strong academic results.

The school is the 27th in the BCPS system to receive a state Blue Ribbon. This achievement highlights the work of its entire learning community. The school’s culture of excellence was a key factor in the award.

A Motivational Achievement for the School Community

The recognition provides validation for the school’s dedicated staff and students. It reinforces the effectiveness of their educational strategies. This award often leads to increased community pride and support.

Principal Deirdre Lynch expressed great pride in the accomplishment. She said the honor acknowledges student achievement and teacher dedication. Lynch also noted it strengthens their community and motivates them to aim higher.

The seven winning schools will be formally honored in November. The ceremony will take place at a Maryland State Board of Education meeting. This public recognition celebrates their contribution to the state’s educational landscape.

This recognition solidifies Stoneleigh Elementary’s status as a leading educational institution. The Maryland Blue Ribbon School award is a testament to its commitment to academic excellence. It sets a high standard for other schools in the region.

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What is the Maryland Blue Ribbon School award?

The award recognizes public and private elementary, middle, and high schools. Schools are honored for either high academic achievement or for closing achievement gaps among student groups. It is a prestigious state-level designation.

How many schools won the Maryland Blue Ribbon in 2025?

Only seven schools across the entire state received the honor for 2025. Stoneleigh Elementary was the sole representative from Baltimore County Public Schools to be named this year.

Why was the national program replaced?

The U.S. Department of Education discontinued the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program in August 2024. The Maryland State Department of Education revived the program at the state level to continue celebrating school excellence.

What does this mean for Stoneleigh Elementary?

The award brings prestige and validates the school’s academic programs. It often boosts morale among students, teachers, and parents, fostering a stronger sense of community pride.

When will the schools be honored?

The official award ceremony is scheduled for November 4, 2025. The Maryland State Board of Education will host the event during its monthly public meeting.

Trusted Sources

Baltimore County Public Schools, Maryland State Department of Education