Mosaic Elementary School has been named a 2022 National Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education. The Fairfax County public school is among seven schools in Virginia and 297 schools in the country receiving the honor this year.

The Blue Ribbon Schools Program recognizes high performing schools and schools making exemplary progress toward closing achievement gaps. Mosaic was commended as an Exemplary High Performing School based on high achievements in reading and mathematics during the 2018-2019 school year. More specifically, Mosaic ranks near the top in overall reading and mathematics performance, and its performance rate for English Learners, students with disabilities, white students, and Asian students. 

Our name, Mosaic Elementary, encapsulates the wonderfully diverse nature and context of our school,” Principal Mahri Aste wrote in the school’s application. “A mosaic is composed of many different small pieces combined in one big picture to form a stunning masterpiece. Our school community is composed of students from 40 different countries who speak 28 languages, yet when all the different cultures are put together, we are a beautiful picture. By providing what is needed for safety, inclusivity, and equity, we are committed to developing engaged and inspired learners who will become independent, responsible, and ethical citizens.” 

Mosaic staff focus on helping students develop the 21st century skills of creativity, critical thinking, communication, and collaboration. Character education is exemplified by all through a practice of respect, responsibility, honesty, self-discipline, and caring. As their mission states, “Mosaic Elementary School is a place where the mind and the heart are nurtured to help students become leaders for tomorrow's communities.”

View Mosaic's profile on the National Blue Ribbon website!

“This award recognizes the tremendous hard work of our students, teachers, and families and means the world to our entire Mosaic community,” Dr. Aste says. “I am so proud to lead our Mosaic family and grateful for the honor. I extend my thanks to the staff at Mosaic, who each work diligently to know each student by name and by need. Mosaic’s strength lies in the culture of belonging that has been created, where everyone who walks through our doors is valued and celebrated.”

Mosaic has also been recognized as a Virginia Distinguished Purple Star School for supporting military connected students.

What are National Blue Ribbon Schools?

U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona recognized 297 National Blue Ribbon Schools for 2022. The recognition is based on a school’s overall academic performance or progress in closing achievement gaps among student subgroups.

“I applaud all the honorees for the 2022 National Blue Ribbon Schools Award for creating vibrant, welcoming, and affirming school communities where students can learn, grow, reach their potential, and achieve their dreams,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona. “As our country continues to recover from the pandemic, we know that our future will only be as strong as the education we provide to all of our children. Blue Ribbon Schools have gone above and beyond to keep students healthy and safe while meeting their academic, social, emotional, and mental health needs. These schools show what is possible to make an enduring, positive difference in students’ lives.”

The coveted National Blue Ribbon Schools award affirms the hard work of educators, families, and communities in creating safe and welcoming schools where students master challenging and engaging content. Now in its 40th year, the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program has bestowed almost 10,000 awards to more than 9,000 schools, with some schools winning multiple awards. Schools are eligible for nomination after five years. 

The Education Department recognizes all schools in one of two performance categories, based on all student scores, student subgroup scores and graduation rates:

• Exemplary High Performing Schools – These are among their state’s highest performing schools as measured by state assessments or nationally normed tests.
• Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing Schools – These are among their state’s highest performing in closing achievement gaps between a school’s student groups and all students.

Up to 420 schools may be nominated each year. The U.S. Education Department invites National Blue Ribbon School nominations from the top education official in all states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, the Department of Defense Education Activity, and the Bureau of Indian Education. Private schools are nominated by the Council for American Private Education (CAPE).