Alex Green Design Technology Magnet Elementary School was honored at the MNPS Board of Education meeting on September 12 for earning status as a Blue Ribbon School of Excellence, Beacon School.
Based on the Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence national validated assessment process, Alex Green Magnet met the required performance areas to be recognized as a 2023 Blue Ribbon School. Those areas are:
- Student Focus and Support
- School Organization and Culture
- Challenging Standard and Curriculum
- Active Teaching and Learning
- Technology and Integration
- Professional Community
- Leadership and Education Vitality
- School, Family, and Community Partnerships
- Indicators of Success
Validation and Motivation
The school's journey to becoming a Blue Ribbon School of Excellence also involved stakeholder surveys, interviews, and school visits, making sure they displayed these attributes daily. 
“It’s humbling yet exciting to be acknowledged by some of the top experts in the field of education. It is an honor to be recognized for our ongoing commitment to nurturing, challenging, and inspiring our students to dream,” said Dr. Robyn Beard, Alex Green’s Principal. “Our school community is dedicated, and we work diligently to address all of the individual needs of our students. Working in this field is hard, so being acknowledged nationally not only validates our work, but it keeps us motivated to continue the work and empower our students to reach their full potential."
As a Design Technology Magnet School, Alex Green encourages students to become junior innovators and thought leaders. Design technology is infused throughout the core curriculum to help students envision their role in building a better world. Through the lens of the design thinking process, students ask, imagine, plan, create, improve, and communicate their problem-solving ideas and products.
The theme was added to the curriculum when the school received the Magnet Schools Assistance Program Grant (MSAP), a Department of Education grant created to promote diversity, increase choices in public education programs and strengthen academic achievement. 
"We are immensely proud of Alex Green Design Technology Magnet Elementary School for earning the esteemed Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence honor,” said Dr. Adrienne Battle, Director of Metro Schools. “This achievement is not merely a badge but a testament to the innovation, diversity, and academic excellence that have been cultivated at the school. Under the dynamic leadership of Principal Dr. Robyn Beard and the unwavering dedication of the staff, Alex Green has become a beacon of what is possible when a community comes together to elevate the educational experience of every student."
This award will be presented during the Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence Conference in Orlando, Florida, at Disney's Contemporary Convention Center at the awards luncheon on Thursday, November 30. Over 40 states are represented at this national event each year. For more information, visit the Blue Ribbon Schools website.