January 24, 2025

CARSON CITY, Nev. – Two Nevada schools have been named 2024 National Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) Distinguished Schools.

Blue Diamond Elementary School and Florence Drake Elementary School are receiving the prestigious award.

“This national recognition highlights the exceptional dedication of our educators, students, and administrators,” said Governor Joe Lombardo. “Blue Diamond Elementary and Florence Drake Elementary exemplify what is possible when we prioritize academic excellence and foster environments where every student can thrive. Congratulations to both schools for this well-deserved honor.”

The two schools will be recognized in February during the National ESEA Conference and at the Nevada Department of Education’s Federal Titles Directors Meeting.

“We are proud that Blue Diamond Elementary School and Florence Drake Elementary School are representing Nevada through this well-deserved national recognition,” said Jhone Ebert, Superintendent of Public Instruction. “This award reflects the remarkable accomplishments in setting high expectations and lifting up all teachers and students.”

Blue Diamond Elementary School in the Clark County School District is receiving accolades in category one – schools exhibiting exceptional student performance and academic growth.

“This prestigious honor reflects the hard work, dedication, and collaboration of our students, staff, and community members,” said Christine Vasquez, principal of Blue Diamond Elementary School. “At Blue Diamond Elementary, our success is built on a strong foundation of high academic expectations, personalized instruction, and a deep commitment to fostering a positive, inclusive learning environment.”

Florence Drake Elementary School in the Washoe County School District is being recognized in category three – schools that show excellence in serving special populations of students.

“Florence Drake Elementary is filled with students and staff who learn, work, and grow together like a school family,” said Jason Shipman, principal of Florence Drake Elementary School. “We believe our students can achieve high expectations, and we support all learners through a high-performance intervention model.”

“Every teacher is committed to enhanced professional learning and continuous instructional improvement,” Shipman said. “The ESEA honor validates the hard work and heart our staff put into our students and the community daily. Most importantly, this award recognizes the amazing student growth that is possible with the most impacted student populations in a school.”

The Nevada Department of Education began analyzing school performance data in October 2024 and finalized the selection of schools in November 2024.

The National Association of ESEA State Program Administrators publicly recognizes qualifying federally funded schools for the outstanding academic achievements of their students.

The awards program has been in place since 1996, recognizing schools in three categories.

The Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) provides additional resources for vulnerable students, and federal grants to state educational agencies to improve the quality of public elementary and secondary education.

For more information about National ESEA Distinguished Schools, visit ESEAnetwork.org.

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About the Nevada Department of Education

The Nevada Department of Education (NDE) leads and collaborates with Nevada’s 17 school districts and the State Public Charter School Authority to advance educational equity Statewide. With offices in Carson City and Las Vegas, NDE oversees all pre-K-12 education in the State, working to achieve its mission to improve student achievement and educator effectiveness by ensuring opportunities, facilitating learning, and promoting excellence. Under the leadership of the State Board of Education and the Superintendent of Public Instruction, NDE impacts the achievement of nearly half a million children and 30,000 educators. Learn more at https://doe.nv.gov/ and join us on X (formerly Twitter), Facebook and Instagram.