Newsroom

Tabb Elementary Earns National Honor

For Immediate Release
Contact: Katherine Goff, Public Relations and Communications Officer
kgoff@ycsd.york.va.us
(757) 898-0391

Tabb Elementary School (TES) has been named a 2022 National Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education as an Exemplary High-Performing School. The National Blue Ribbon program recognizes public and private elementary, middle, and high schools for their overall excellence and progress toward closing achievement gaps.

The Virginia Department of Education nominated Tabb Elementary as the school ranks in the top 15% of all schools in Virginia in both reading and math. In addition, the school's student subgroups placed in the top 40% of all schools for both reading and math. Tabb Elementary is one of seven schools in Virginia, and 297 schools in the nation to receive the honor this year and is the second school within York County to receive this distinguished recognition with Grafton Bethel Elementary being the first in 2010.

“To receive this recognition during unprecedented times reflects the collective commitment to ensuring every student is valued, supported, and challenged through learning experiences, which prepare them for a successful future,” said Dr. Victor D. Shandor, superintendent of York County School Division (YCSD). “I encourage the entire YCSD community to join me in congratulating Tabb Elementary teachers, staff, students and their families on this prestigious award.”

Tabb Elementary serves nearly 700 students, approximately 50% of whom are military-connected. The school prides itself on providing a safe, welcoming and caring environment in which all students and staff have a sense of belonging and purpose. To achieve this priority and support student success, staff, families and community members are actively engaged in meaningful, collaborative relationships. One approach includes the “Anchored 4 Life” program, which began as a way to help military students transition, and has evolved to give all new students a connection on their first day of becoming a Tabb Tiger.

Miguel Cardona, U.S. Secretary of Education, states “Blue Ribbon Schools have gone above and beyond to keep students healthy and safe while meeting their academic, social, emotional, and mental health needs. These schools show what is possible to make an enduring, positive difference in students’ lives.”

The U.S. Department of Education will officially present the National Blue Ribbon School award to Tabb Elementary School in November during a conference and awards ceremony in Washington, D.C.