PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — The Rhode Island Department of Education recognized three Rhode Island schools as Blue Ribbon Schools on Wednesday.

According to RIDE, Melville Elementary School in Portsmouth, Pocasset Elementary School in Tiverton, and Robert L. Bailey, IV Elementary School in Providence were recognized as the 2025 State of Rhode Island Blue Ribbon Schools.

RIDE said it established the Blue Ribbon Schools Program this year after the Federal Department of Education ended the National Blue Ribbon Program, which began in 1982, in late August.

According to RIDE, the three schools had been nominated by the FED and were awaiting the official announcement.

“While we are deeply disappointed by the federal government’s unexpected cancellation of the Blue Ribbon program, we remain com

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