Ambassadors Preparatory Academy and Alief Early College High School Named National Blue Ribbon Schools

Ambassadors Preparatory Academy and Alief Early College High School have earned the prestigious National Blue Ribbon School designation for 2024, joining an elite group of 316 public schools nationwide recognized for exceptional academic achievement.

 

The National Blue Ribbon School Program was established by the United States Department of Education in 1982 and recognizes schools that either achieve superior academic performance or demonstrate exceptional progress in closing achievement gaps.

 

Four years ago, Ambassadors Preparatory Academy in Galveston was considered a struggling campus. Today, this PK–8 charter school stands as a model of educational achievement, becoming one of just 31 Texas schools to receive the National Blue Ribbon School designation this year.

 

"Achieving the National Blue Ribbon School award required a sustained commitment to academic excellence, collaboration, and data-driven instruction," says Dr. Rachelle Joseph-Beafneaux, APA's superintendent and principal.

 

The Title 1 charter school didn’t become an award-winning campus overnight. With 87% of its student population coming from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, the school had to overcome learning barriers associated with poverty. Teachers and administrators invested countless hours in customizing curricula, implementing personalized learning strategies, and conducting regular assessments to pinpoint areas needing improvement. APA also made sure teachers, students, and their families had the support they needed to excel.

 

"We emphasize strong community involvement, fostering a supportive environment for students, families, and staff," Dr. Joseph-Beafneaux explains. "Our priority on professional development ensures teachers have the resources to innovate and engage effectively, directly impacting student achievement."

 

Alief Early College High School (AECHS) also earned the designation for its academic excellence and innovative programs. Under the leadership of Alief ISD superintendent Dr. Anthony Mays, this magnet school blends the traditional high school experience with college-level coursework.

 

"Our students have the unique opportunity to change the entire trajectory of their lives through education," says Dr. Brandi Brotherton, Director of Advanced Academics and Post-Secondary Outcomes. "They're not just earning a high school diploma—they're simultaneously working toward an associate's degree."

 

The school takes a comprehensive approach to student development, emphasizing character-building and leadership skills with rigorous academics. "While we maintain high academic standards, our primary mission is developing 21st-century learning skills through character and leadership development," Dr. Brotherton notes. "When our students graduate, they're not just academically prepared—they're young men and women of character ready to be successful citizens in society."

 

Region 4 is proud to support schools like Ambassadors Preparatory Academy and Alief Early College High School. They’re not only raising academic standards but also preparing students with the skills and resilience needed for a promising future.

 

For more information about the National Blue Ribbon School Program, visit nationalblueribbonschools.ed.gov/.