Charleston Reporter

Belle Hall Elementary School in Mount Pleasant has been recognized as a 2021 National Blue Ribbon School for its overall academic achievements. 

Announced by U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona, the National Blue Ribbon Schools (NBRS) Program acknowledges public and private elementary, middle, and high schools in regards to their overall academic excellence or their progress in closing achievement gaps throughout various student subgroups, according to a release by the Charleston County School District. 

Belle Hall is the first school in Charleston County School District to receive the honor in four years, according to NBRS. 

"The entire Belle Hall Elementary School community takes great pride in this prestigious recognition. For over three decades, the teachers, parents, staff, and community members have collaborated to create this extraordinary environment for students," Belle Hall Elementary Principal Kevin Conklin said in the release. "Over the years, we've upheld our reputation of ‘Rigor and Relationships,’ which features high expectations and support for all learners bolstered by adults working together closely every day." 

The U.S. Department of Education annually recognizes American schools that demonstrate how all students can achieve high levels of success. 

Now in its 39th year, the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program has bestowed almost 10,000 awards to over 9,000 schools. 

Belle Hall has been recognized for its programmatic continuity and healthy, generational home-school relationships and inclusion amongst students, according to NBRS.