Tega Cay Elementary Named 2025 Blue Ribbon Lighthouse School

Tega Cay Elementary School has been honored with a prestigious national recognition, earning the title of a 2025 Blue Ribbon Lighthouse School by the National Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence organization.

The designation follows a rigorous evaluation process that included stakeholder surveys and a comprehensive two-day site visit. During the visit, classroom instruction was observed and interviews were conducted with students, parents, teachers, and school leaders.

The Lighthouse School distinction celebrates excellence in nine core categories critical to student achievement and school success:

• Student Focus and Support

• School Organization and Culture

• Challenging Standards and Curriculum

• Active Teaching and Learning

• Technology Integration

• Professional Community

• Leadership and Educational Vitality

• School, Family, and Community Partnerships

• Indicators of Success

Tega Cay Elementary is now the fifth school in the Fort Mill School District to be named a National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence in the past two years. The recognition follows similar honors awarded to Pleasant Knoll Elementary, Nation Ford High School, Fort Mill Middle, and Gold Hill Middle School, highlighting the district’s continued commitment to educational excellence across all grade levels.

“Earning this distinct recognition as a 2025 National Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence Lighthouse School is a celebration of the incredible commitment and compassion that our students, staff, families, and community puts forth into Titan Country,” said Principal Brigitte Wagner. “We look forward to continuing this tradition of excellence as we learn and grow together every day.”

Designation as a Blue Ribbon Lighthouse School is valid for five years. During that time, Tega Cay Elementary will be expected to serve as a model of best practices, offering mentoring, networking, and collaboration opportunities with other schools at the local, regional, and national level.

This recognition further solidifies the Fort Mill School District’s standing as the top-ranked school district in South Carolina and the Charlotte metro area, according to Niche.com.