Robinson Barracks Elementary School honored for National Blue Ribbon School designation

U.S. Army Garrison Stuttgart representatives joined DoDEA officials and students at a short ceremony to recognize the school’s prestigious designation as a National Blue Ribbon School for 2024.

The National Blue Ribbon Schools Program is one of the longest-running recognition programs by the U.S. Department of Education. It celebrates schools that set and meet high academic standards based on a school’s overall academic performance or progress in closing achievement gaps among student subgroups. Robinson Barracks Elementary, selected as an Exemplary High Performing School, joins just two other DoDEA schools honored with Blue Ribbon status in 2024: West Point Elementary School at the United States Military Academy and Alconbury Elementary School in the United Kingdom.

After a quick Pledge of Allegiance and the singing of the national anthem, school officials and garrison command staff addressed the students, family members, and school staff in attendance.

“To be chosen for this prestigious award is a significant accomplishment and a point of pride for our entire community,” USAG Stuttgart Command Col. Kirk Alexander said. “At USAG Stuttgart, we firmly believe family readiness is tied to soldier and service member readiness. It gives me great pride and comfort to know that DoDEA is providing our children with world-class education.”

Students put together a video highlighting the many reasons they loved being part of the school community. Among the many reasons given were the friendliness and welcoming nature of fellow students, teachers that truly care about helping students learn, and “the smell of the delicious meals” served in the cafeteria each school day.

“Robinson Elementary doesn’t just talk about success, it proves it,” said Dr. Michelle Howard-Brahaney, the director for DoDEA schools in Europe at the ceremony. “Our students’ achievements reflect the high-quality learning happening here every day.”

Howard-Brahaney recognized Robinson Barracks Elementary School Principal Dr. Lisa Bell with a special challenge coin. Bell later requested teachers come to the front of the gym to be thanked for their hard work.

“Today is not just about celebrating past achievements, it’s about setting the stage for the future,” Howard-Brahaney said. “The Blue Ribbon recognition serves as both a milestone and a challenge to keep reaching higher, to keep innovating, and to continue building a legacy of excellence.”

Only 356 schools were honored in 2024 out of more than 120,000 nationwide. Schools are recognized in one of two categories: Exemplary High Performing Schools, ranking among their state’s highest performers, and Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing Schools, acknowledged for their success in closing achievement gaps among student groups.