(Indianapolis, IN) – Governor Mike Braun and Secretary of Education Dr. Katie Jenner congratulate the inaugural recipients of the Indiana Blue Ribbon Schools designation.
One of the 11 public and private schools across the state selected for this newly-established designation is Batesville High School.
The State of Indiana says Batesville and the other schools were recognized for their exceptional academic achievement and commitment to student success.
Batesville was the only high school to be selected.
This prestigious award celebrates schools where students excel—either by achieving very high learning standards or by showing dramatic gains among disadvantaged student populations. To be selected, Batesville High School met rigorous criteria, demonstrating exemplary teaching, strong student outcomes, and a school culture dedicated to excellence.
The school has also fostered strong partnerships among teachers, families, and the community to reinforce learning, character growth, and college/career readiness.
“For nearly 175 years, Batesville has defied its small size with ambitious goals, a legacy Batesville High School proudly upholds by providing an exceptional academic education within a rural setting, alongside the crucial personal development and life skills necessary to cultivate desirable applicants,” said Andy Allen, BHS Principal. “The Bulldog Ready initiative has been a catalyst for continuous improvement, from our freshman community model to our learning communities and career pathways. Our students have willingly embraced these changes, enabling us to achieve our goals. Supporting this structure is our outstanding staff, as well as our strong business and community partnerships. We are honored to have been selected for this recognition.”
“Through the unwavering collaboration of teachers, school leaders, parents, and entire communities, Indiana students are achieving strong results,” said Governor Braun. “This inaugural cohort of Indiana Blue Ribbon Schools are a model for others across our state and nation of what is possible when we put students first.”
The Indiana Blue Ribbon School designation celebrates schools that demonstrate exemplary academic performance and innovative approaches to meeting the needs of students.
These schools have fostered environments of excellence, serving as models of educational leadership and impact for communities statewide and beyond.
Indiana’s other 2025 Blue Ribbon Schools include:
- Brandywine Elementary School – New Palestine Community Schools
- Charles Elementary School – Richmond Community Schools
- Creekside Middle School – Carmel Clay Schools
- East Side Elementary School – Clay Community Schools
- Immaculate Heart of Mary School – Indianapolis
- South Terrace Elementary – MSD North Posey County Schools
- St. John the Evangelist School – St. John
- St. Louis de Montfort School – Fishers
- St. Mary’s Catholic School – North Vernon
- St. Philip School – Mount Vernon
“As we celebrate this remarkable accomplishment, I want to commend the leadership of these schools, the dedication of the teachers and staff, and the incredible work ethic of the students and families,” said Dr. Jenner. “Together, you have created a culture of learning that maximizes every student’s potential and prepares them for a future filled with opportunity.”
The honored schools will be formally recognized at the fourth annual Educational Excellence Awards gala, which is set to take place in Indianapolis on Friday, November 21.
The National Blue Ribbon Schools designation was first established in 1982.
As education is returned to the states, the U.S. Department of Education has encouraged states to continue to celebrate the achievements of their local schools and the positive impact they make on the lives of students.
The Indiana Department of Education says it will name a new cohort of designees each year.
