Trump ends the National Blue Ribbon Schools program after 43 years: What it means for US education

In a controversial move, the Trump administration has shut down the National Blue Ribbon Schools program, one of the most respected recognitions of academic excellence in the United States.

The program, launched in 1982, has honored more than 9,000 schools—both public and private—for high achievement and progress in closing learning gaps. Its abrupt end in August 2025 marks the close of a four-decade legacy that shaped how schools across America measured quality and success.

A hallmark of school excellence

Created under President Ronald Reagan by Education Secretary Terrel H. Bell, the Blue Ribbon program quickly became a symbol of quality in US education.

Initially limited to secondary schools, it later expanded to honor elementary, middle, and private institutions. Being named a Blue Ribbon School brought more than just prestige: it often attracted families, boosted staff morale, and even helped schools secure funding and community support.

For many, the award became a “gold standard” for American schools.

Why the Trump administration ended it

The Department of Education has justified the decision under its broader push to “return education to the states.”

Officials argue that state governments, not Washington, are best positioned to design recognition programs that reflect local needs and priorities. Education Secretary Linda McMahon has consistently pushed for reducing the federal government’s role in education and trimming department costs, making the end of the Blue Ribbon program part of a larger strategy.

Mixed reactions across the country

Educators and administrators have voiced disappointment, calling the Blue Ribbon one of the few nationwide symbols of achievement that united schools across different regions and demographics.

A Maryland education official described the award as “our crown jewels,” difficult to replicate with state-level initiatives.At the same time, some states are stepping in to fill the gap. Connecticut, for example, has already announced its own state-level Blue Ribbon Schools program, signaling that other states may follow suit with localized versions of the award. Still, critics argue that the loss of a common federal benchmark makes it harder to highlight schools—especially those in disadvantaged communities—that have achieved remarkable progress.

What’s next for US schools

The end of the Blue Ribbon program reflects a broader shift in American education: away from federal standards and toward more localised control. While state recognition programs may emerge, none carry the same national weight that gave schools a unifying badge of excellence. For students, parents, and teachers, the absence of this recognition leaves an open question: who now sets the standard for what makes a school truly excellent?With inputs from Chalkbeat.