On September 23, 2024, Scarsdale High School was a recipient of the 2024 National Blue Ribbon Schools award, recognizing SHS for its exceptional student achievements and academic practices. While schools are able to apply for the rewards program by disclosing their practices in the application form, they are also able to be nominated. SHS was lucky enough to have both a nomination and an application. “The ones who were nominated were considered the strongest,” principal Kenneth Bonamo noted. “It was a long application, so we were able to celebrate lots of practices.”

Part of the application process required a list of the school’s unique practices where SHS highlighted the individualized academic curriculum, where students are divided into levels best suited for their academic strengths and weaknesses; the AT program, an alternative to AP classes; and the tutorial model, which includes common tutorial three times a week and office hours during teachers’ free periods. “At other schools, most teachers aren’t accessible to students when they aren’t teaching. This practice is unique for a public school and maximizes student opportunity and performance,” Bonamo remarked.

SHS also fosters an excellent community where parents and community members are just as involved in the school environment and events as faculty and students. “After the teachers and adults, you have the students,” Bonamo said. “We have the privilege of working with very talented and dedicated students. You put those three ingredients together—resources, teachers, students—and good things happen.”

This award not only aknowledges the outstanding performance of students, but also the connection throughout the school and community, rewarding the hard work of teachers and students alike at SHS. After all, only 356 schools were recognized as National Blue Ribbon Schools this year. “It’s a moment of celebration,” Bonamo said, “and doing the best work that we can.”