Two CCSD schools earn prestigious National Blue Ribbon honor in 2024

Charleston County School District (CCSD) announced Academic Magnet High School and Buist Academy were named 2024 National Blue Ribbon Schools by the U.S. Department of Education. This is the first time in three years that any school in CCSD was recognized as a National Blue Ribbon School (NBRS), and it is the first year the district has had more than one school receive the award since 1994.

The U.S. Secretary of Education, Miguel Cardona, announced the 2024 National Blue Ribbon Schools this afternoon. This recognition is based on a school’s overall academic performance or progress in closing achievement gaps among student groups on assessments.

This is the first time Academic Magnet, routinely ranked as one of the top 10 high schools in the nation by the U.S. News & World Report, has been named a National Blue Ribbon School.

“We are extremely proud of this National Blue Ribbon recognition,” explained Academic Magnet Principal Jacob Perlmutter. “The comprehensive application process really made our team focus on the people and programs that make our school excellent. Many of those things just exist here, but when you have to sit down and explain in writing just how we create this special community, or just how the climate impacts the student outcomes, it made us more conscious of the daily mission and, at least for me, made me even more appreciative of the special place I get to work every day.”

Buist is CCSD’s first-ever multi-year NBRS recipient, earning the honor in 2017 as well.

“It is an honor to receive the prestigious National Blue Ribbon Award,” said Buist Principal Shawntay White. “Today, we celebrate the hard work, dedication, and commitment of our Buist educators, students, and families who have made this achievement possible. Being named a National Blue Ribbon School reflects our unwavering devotion to providing an exceptional education and fostering a supportive learning environment for all our students. A school can only be nominated to apply as a NBRS every five years. It is an immense honor to be recognized for this distinguished achievement twice within the past seven years. Through COVID and school restructuring, we stayed committed to continuous improvement, building relationships, and innovative teaching and learning practices.”

According to the U.S. Department of Education, awardee schools represent the diverse fabric of American schools and share some core elements, such as a vision of excellence and high standards. In addition, schools are more likely to value and support staff and teachers when effective, leading to innovative teaching and learning practices. Schools use data from many sources to drive instruction, and students strive for success. Families, communities, and educators are found working together toward common goals. National Blue Ribbon Schools serve as models of effective and innovative school practices for state and district educators and other schools nationwide.

Academic Magnet was created in 1988 and currently is home to 734 students on its campus in North Charleston.

Buist started serving students in downtown Charleston in 1985; the school’s current enrollment is approximately 520.

CCSD now has 13 schools that have earned the National Blue Ribbon School distinction.

“This is a momentous day for Buist, Academic Magnet, and our district,” said Superintendent of Schools Anita Huggins. “I could not be more proud of the staff and students of these two schools. From building leaders’ and teachers’ collective dedication and providing high-level opportunities for all students to our scholars’ commitment to academic excellence, these school communities serve as shining examples of what can be achieved throughout our system.”

The U.S. Department of Education will honor 356 schools at an awards ceremony on November 7-8, 2024, in Washington, D.C. A full list of this year’s NBRS recipients is available on the U.S. Department of Education’s website.

For more information, contact the Office of Communications at (843) 937-6303.