Horace Mann Elementary has been recognized as a 2023 National Blue Ribbon School by the United States Dept. of Education. The National Blue Ribbon is a widely recognized symbol of exemplary teaching and learning. The program affirms the hard work of educators, families and communities in creating safe and welcoming schools where students master challenging and engaging content.

The 2023 National Blue Ribbon Schools Program recognized 353 schools, including 28 schools in California. Mann Elementary has been recognized in the “Exemplary High Performing Schools” category. This is the first time the school has received this honor. Ten Glendale Unified Schools have earned the National Blue Ribbon distinction since the program began in 1982.

“Horace Mann Elementary is a model of excellence in public education. Principal Rosa Alonso and our educators and staff work tirelessly in partnership with families to ensure every child succeeds,” said Glendale Unified Board President Jennifer Freemon. “I am proud to celebrate this prestigious recognition with our entire Glendale Unified community.”

“Principal Rosa Alonso and our amazing teachers and staff at Horace Mann Elementary have fostered a culture of high achievement using a collaborative, data-driven approach to teaching and learning,” said Glendale Unified Interim Superintendent Dr. Darneika Watson. “They prove what is possible when you set high standards and maintain a relentless focus on ensuring every child has the tools they need to succeed.”

“Horace Mann Elementary is a success story of what can happen when you focus on ‘the essential’ until it becomes transformational. Our educators and staff have a laser-like focus on student achievement, helping every child develop a growth mindset and reach their fullest potential as learners and leaders,” said Mann Elementary Principal Rosa Alonso. “We are honored to be recognized as a National Blue Ribbon School and will continue to strive for excellence every day.”

Horace Mann Elementary serves a diverse population of approximately 600 students in transitional kindergarten through fifth grade. Seventy-six percent of Mann students are socioeconomically disadvantaged, 41% are English learners, and 15% are students with special needs. Mann is one of five Glendale Unified elementary schools participating in the California Community Schools initiative this year. The school was recognized as a California Distinguished School in both 2020 and 2018, and has previously been recognized as a Gold Ribbon School and a Title I Academic Achieving School by the California Dept. of Education (CDE). In 2022, Mann Elementary received a Pivotal Practice Award from the CDE for implementing innovative practices during the COVID-19 pandemic and distance learning. Mann was one of the first schools in California to resume in-person instruction following the pandemic shutdown. In 2020, Mann was one of 16 schools nationwide to be recognized as a 2020 America’s Best Urban School by the National Center for Urban School Transformation (NCUST). In 2019, Mann teachers and staff earned a Golden Bell Award from the California School Boards Association for implementation of their “PLC Plus” professional development program.