Park Elementary Honored as Blue Ribbon School

Blue Ribbon Celebration: Thursday, October 30, at 1:30 p.m. at Park Elementary

Kearney, NE — The Nebraska Department of Education has named Park Elementary School in Kearney as one of only seven schools in Nebraska to receive the prestigious Blue Ribbon School recognition for 2025.

This distinguished honor celebrates schools that demonstrate exceptional academic performance or significant progress in closing achievement gaps among student groups.

To recognize this achievement, Park Elementary will host a Blue Ribbon Celebration on Thursday, October 30, at 1:30 p.m. at the school. The Nebraska Deputy Commissioner of Education, Jane Stavem, and local dignitaries will be on hand to help celebrate this outstanding accomplishment.

“Park Elementary represents the best of Kearney Public Schools — a place where high expectations, caring relationships, and a commitment to every child’s success come together,” said KPS Superintendent Jason Mundorf. “This award is a testament to the hard work of our students, staff, and families.”

The Nebraska schools named as Blue Ribbon Schools this year include:

McDonald Elementary School – North Platte Public Schools
Hillrise Elementary School – Elkhorn Public Schools
Ezra Millard Elementary School – Millard Public Schools
Park Elementary School – Kearney Public Schools
St. Isadore Elementary School – Columbus
Mount Michael Benedictine School – Elkhorn
Mary Our Queen Catholic School – Omaha

While the U.S. Department of Education discontinued the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program this year, these seven Nebraska schools had already met the rigorous standards based on last year’s benchmarks.

Blue Ribbon Schools exemplify instructional excellence, data-driven teaching, and a school culture that ensures all students thrive. Their leaders set a clear vision for success, teachers engage in continuous professional growth, and families and communities work hand in hand to support learning.

Park Elementary and its fellow honorees serve as models of innovation and excellence for educators across the state.