Dakota Hills Middle School has been recognized as a 2025 National Blue Ribbon School, a prestigious designation that distinguishes it as an Exemplary High-Performing School. This honor places Dakota Hills among the nation’s top educational institutions, celebrated for its long-standing commitment to academic excellence and community dedication.
While the current federal administration moves to dissolve the U.S. Department of Education and return educational governance to the states, Minnesota is continuing to honor and recognize the eight schools in the state (one selected from each Congressional district) that earned this prestigious recognition this year. Dakota Hills Middle School stands out as a beacon of stability and success amidst these national shifts.
Superintendent Michael Bolsoni shared his pride in receiving a call from the Minnesota Department of Education. “They talked about the vetting of schools across the state, deeply analyzing data, looking at trends over time, and really digging into what performance means,” he said. “This school is exceptional. It builds on success over time, from the many professionals who have and are committed to educating, developing, and inspiring our students.”
A Legacy of Leadership and History
Since opening in 1989, Dakota Hills Middle School has built a reputation for excellence. While students progress through middle school every three years, this award recognizes the culture of high expectations and strong relationships that educators and school leaders have worked to build over almost four decades. When announcing the award to the staff, Principal Trevor Johnson called out the legacy of the school’s three prior principals—Pat Sullivan, who opened the building and established its culture, Wendy McNamee, and Steve Troen—as well as the current administration and staff. He then invited each staff member, by decade of hire, to sign the banner that will hang in the school to commemorate the award.
“The real part of our legacy is you and all of us together,” Johnson told the staff. “If you serve great communities like Eagan and Inver Grove Heights and you have involved, caring, supportive families, you’ve got great students, and you’ve got the best staff that’s ever been assembled, then you’ve got a great school.”
Rigorous Selection Criteria
The National Blue Ribbon Schools Program recognizes schools based on their overall academic excellence. As an Exemplary High-Performing School, Dakota Hills was evaluated on criteria including ranking among the top schools in the state based on student performance in literacy and mathematics. The selection process involves a rigorous review of student assessment data and the school’s ability to articulate a vision of excellence and implement effective instructional programs.
The school plans to celebrate this achievement with the student body on Jan. 23, featuring a special student-staff basketball game.
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About the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program
The National Blue Ribbon Schools Program, formerly administered by the U.S. Department of Education, affirms the hard work of students, educators, families, and communities in creating safe and welcoming schools where students master challenging content. While the current federal administration moves to dissolve the U.S. Department of Education and return educational governance to the states, Minnesota is continuing to honor and recognize the exemplary schools, selecting one from each Congressional district to earn this prestigious recognition this year.
About District 196
District 196 unlocks infinite possibilities for more than 30,000 students in early childhood, K-12, and adult education programs, as well as community education programs for lifelong learners of all ages. District 196 serves more than 167,000 residents in the cities of Rosemount, Apple Valley, Eagan, Burnsville, Coates, Empire, Inver Grove Heights, Lakeville, and Vermillion Township in Dakota County, Minnesota. For more information, visit District196.org.