U.S. Department of Education Announces Osceola School District’s Professional and Technical High School (PATHS) As A 2023 Blue Ribbon School

The U.S. Department of Education has recognized Osceola School District’s Professional and Technical High School (PATHS) as one of 353 schools named National Blue Ribbon Schools for 2023. The recognition is based on the school’s overall academic performance and progress in closing achievement gaps among student groups on assessments. PATHS was one of only 13 schools in Florida to be nominated for this prestigious national recognition.   

“The honorees for our 2023 National Blue Ribbon Schools Award have set a national example for what it means to raise the bar in education,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona. “The leaders, educators, and staff at our National Blue Ribbon Schools continually inspire me with their dedication to fostering academic excellence and building positive school cultures that support students of all backgrounds to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.”

PATHS is a comprehensive accelerated high school in Osceola County that provides students with the opportunity to engage in rigorous academic coursework that is aligned with a career pathway. The school offers a 4X4 schedule, allowing students to earn more credits by completing an entire year-long course within a semester time frame. This acceleration allows students to earn their high school graduation requirements earlier, freeing up time to then focus on their oTECH program and/or Valencia College Dual Enrollment. 

“PATHS has earned the well-deserved National Blue Ribbon School status which reflects the dedication and hard work of the school's educators, students, parents, staff, and the broader community towards exemplary achievement,” said Osceola School District Superintendent Dr. Mark Shanoff. “I am extremely proud to recognize and celebrate the excellence in education at PATHS knowing it has a ripple effect by inspiring other schools, boosting community pride, and providing validation and motivation for students and educators. It's a true testament to the school's commitment to providing a world-class educational experience.”

National Blue Ribbon Schools serve as models of effective and innovative school practices for state and district educators and other schools throughout the nation. A National Blue Ribbon School flag gracing a school’s entryway or on a flagpole is a widely recognized national symbol of exemplary teaching and learning.