ĢƵƬ

Skip to main content

U.S. Secretary of Education Announces Recipients of the 2023 Terrel H. Bell Awards for Outstanding School Leadership

News Release

U.S. Department of Education
Office of Communications & Outreach, Press Office
400 Maryland Ave., S.W.

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel A. Cardona today announced the recipients of the for 2023. All nine school leaders from the 2023 cohort of National Blue Ribbon Schools will be honored during the National Blue Ribbon Schools awards ceremony on Thursday, Nov. 16, 2023.

“Great principals play a pivotal role in building thriving school communities and empowering teachers to meet the diverse needs of every student,” stated U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona. “As recipients of the Terrel H. Bell Award, you have served as catalysts, fostering positive school cultures, and finding new ways to engage students, parents, families, educators, and staff. You continue to Raise the Bar as school leaders, and your dedication inspires others to bring their best each day. The prestigious Bell Award is our way of recognizing and celebrating your hard work and indispensable leadership.”

Named for the second U. S. Secretary of Education, Terrel H. Bell, the Bell Award honors school leaders who are committed to education as a powerful and liberating force in people’s lives. The award is part of the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program. Principals are nominated by their school communities during the final stages of the National Blue Ribbon Schools application process.

The U.S. Department of Education, together with the National Association of Elementary School Principals, the Association for Middle Level Education, and the National Association of Secondary School Principals, present the Bell Awards to principals of National Blue Ribbon Schools for their outstanding work and the vital role they play in guiding their students and schools to excellence, frequently under challenging circumstances.

The 2023 recipients are:

STATE-CITY HONOREE SCHOOL
CA - Hacienda Heights
CA - Hacienda Heights
FL - Hollywood
IL - South Beloit
KY - Louisville
PA - Exton
TX - Houston
WI - Brookfield
WY - Casper

Visit the to learn more about the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program and the Terrel H. Bell Awardees.

###
 

More News Releases

ĢƵƬ launches Educator Misconduct Dashboard and Student Protection Resource Center

June 2, 2026

AUSTIN, Texas – June 2, 2026 — The ĢƵƬ (ĢƵƬ) today announced the launch of the Educator Misconduct Dashboard, a comprehensive,…

ĢƵƬ Places 21 Individuals on Do Not Hire Registry

May 8, 2026

AUSTIN, Texas – May 8, 2026 – The ĢƵƬ (ĢƵƬ) today announced that 21 individuals have been added to the Do Not Hire Registry,…

ĢƵƬ Appoints Board of Managers and New Superintendent for Connally ISD

May 6, 2026

AUSTIN, Texas – May 6, 2026 – The ĢƵƬ (ĢƵƬ) today announced the appointment of a three-member Board of Managers and selection of a…