The Murfreesboro City Schools Board recognized Discovery School on Oct. 28 as the district's 2025 nominee for the National Blue Ribbon Schools program, an award the district said recognizes sustained high performance and efforts to close achievement gaps.

"Being chosen as the nominee for this national recognition is a significant achievement that reflects the school's ongoing commitment to excellence, innovation, and student success," Dr. Duke, the district's director of schools, told the board. District staff noted the U.S. Department of Education has announced the program will be discontinued, but said nomination still signals strong state-level recognition.

Discovery School leadership described the nomination process as a state-driven selection. "We have to be nominated by the State Department of Education based on growth or achievement or a combination of the two," a Discovery School representative said. She added the school had one of the highest achievement scores in Tennessee across a five-year rolling window and completed a year-long application.

Speakers at the meeting emphasized that the nomination reflects school culture rather than a single test-year outcome. A parent letter read to the board described a student who became enthusiastic about learning after transferring to Discovery, and school leaders said the nomination reflected long-term practices in STEAM, high expectations and strong family partnerships.

Discovery School marks its 20th anniversary this year; district leaders noted the school would have been a three-time Blue Ribbon honoree if the federal program had continued.