South Live Oak Elementary Receives National Blue Ribbon for Academic Performance
South Live Oak Elementary Receives National Blue Ribbon for Academic Performance
LIVINGSTON, La. – South Live Oak Elementary (SLOE) has been named a Louisiana Blue Ribbon School for its success in student academic performance and growth.
SLOE was nominated for the distinguished 2025 National Blue Ribbon Award for its remarkable progress in closing the achievement gap between its higher and lower performing students.
The National Blue Ribbon Schools Program was a recognition program jointly administered by the U.S. Department of Education and state departments of education. Public and private schools were selected based on their overall academic excellence or their progress in closing achievement gaps among student subgroups.
In the spirit of returning education to the states, The U.S. Department of Education ended its role in the program and encouraged states to tailor their own recognition programs to celebrate exemplary schools that are achieving the unique educational goals in their state.
“It’s an honor to recognize the hard work and leadership of these students, educators, and families,” Louisiana State Superintendent of Education Dr. Cade Brumley said.
Louisiana recognized eight schools with the 2025 Blue Ribbon award. They include SLOE in Livingston Parish, Caneview Elementary in Iberia Parish, Cecil Picard Elementary in Vermilion Parish, Early College Academy in Lafayette Parish, Haynes Academy in Jefferson Parish, Mulberry Elementary in Terrebonne Parish, St. Dominic School of the New Orleans Archdiocese, and St. Jude School of the Baton Rouge Diocese.
“I couldn’t be prouder of our school community being named as a Blue Ribbon School. It is one of the highest honors a school can receive, and it is truly a reflection of the high standards our teachers set for themselves and for our students every single day,” SLOE Principal Amy Savage said.
“Our guiding philosophy is that every child can achieve and grow. Our teachers and administrators engage in ongoing data reviews to ensure each student receives the support he or she needs through a tiered intervention system,” Savage said.
“Our students are also active partners in their growth,” she continued. “Our older students track their own progress and set goals that hold them accountable for both academic achievement and positive behavior.”
Livingston Parish Public Schools Superintendent Jody Purvis praised the leadership and staff at SLOE for their dedication to individual learning. Purvis said school leaders at SLOE and the district office are planning a celebration event at the school next semester.
“High expectations are intrinsic to our culture,” Purvis said, “and the educational team at South Live Oak Elementary is exemplifying that in all that they do.”
Savage said her school’s teachers, representing grades K-4, make very conscious efforts to intervene and identify what each child needs to learn. This is done early in the school year so the teachers can work with the students to develop an action plan and to take ownership of their success.
“Our commitment to individualized support, academic rigor, and cultural enrichment—anchored by strong parent partnerships—creates a unique environment where students flourish and feel at home,” Savage said.