There’s no taming these Tigers. Bella Vista Elementary students have sprung to the top, earning their school one of the ultimate accolades — National Blue Ribbon status.

Bella Vista is among just three schools in Utah to be named a 2024 National Blue Ribbon School, a recognition by the U.S. Department of Education reserved for schools with exceptional academic performance. 

“Blue Ribbon Schools are raising the bar for our nation’s students,” said U.S. Education Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona in a statement. “Let us look to these schools for inspiration as we champion education as the foundation of a brighter future for every child.”

Bella Vista staff and faculty celebrated the announcement Monday with blueberry muffins. On Tuesday at a special assembly, students will watch Cardona’s video announcement. A National Blue Ribbon School flag will be displayed in a school’s entryway and vinyl banner displayed outside. Faculty also celebrated with a cake decorated with a blue-frosting congratulatory message. Later this week, all students will be given blue popsicles to celebrate the designation. 

“Teachers, you should be proud. Bella Vista has an excellent reputation as a strong school, and we challenged each other to reach even higher,” said Principal Barbra Winder on Monday morning. “This recognition is long overdue — and because of your hard work. I’m so proud of our Bella Vista Tigers for being respectful, safe, and kind learners.” 

The prestigious award, earned by 356 public and private schools across the country, affirms the hard work of Bella Vista’s administration and faculty in building a culture of excellence at the school. Instructional excellence, high standards, and effective data-driven teaching methods are among the hallmarks of National Blue Ribbon Schools, according to the U.S. Department of Education. Strong school-to-home connections are also a key component of their success.   

“My positive experiences with Bella Vista Elementary throughout the years—first as a parent of Bella Vista Tigers and then as the school’s representative on the Canyons Board of Education— have given me first-hand knowledge of the tradition of excellence at the school,” said Board President Amber Shill. “The blue-ribbon designation is a tremendous source of pride for not just the Bella Vista community but all of Canyons School District. On behalf of the Board of Education, I congratulate all teachers, staff, parents, and students for this amazing accomplishment.” 

A team from Bella Vista will soon be strutting their stripes in Washington, D.C. Cardona has invited the administrative team to a congratulatory ceremony Nov. 7-8.  

“Only a select number of schools are even invited to apply for Blue Ribbon status each year,” said Canyons Superintendent Dr. Rick Robins. “This honor is truly reserved for the nation’s most exemplary schools — and this designation for the Tigers does not come as a surprise given Bella Vista’s strong track record over the years.”