Southland Schools Awarded Blue Ribbon Status

Twelve schools in Los Angeles County and two in Orange County were today named national Blue Ribbon Schools by U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan.

The schools were among 285 public and 50 private schools in the United States to receive the honor. Of those, 33 were in California.

“California’s newly selected Blue Ribbon Schools are among the best in the nation and reflect our state’s commitment to preparing students for college and career,” said state Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson.

“We celebrate these models of excellence as they shine in the national spotlight,” he said.”I congratulate all the hardworking students, teachers, parents, staff, and administrators who made this recognition possible.”

Schools are selected for overall academic excellence or progress in closing achievement gaps among student groups.

Middle College High School in the Santa Ana Unified School District and New Horizon School in Irvine were the honorees in Orange County. The Los Angeles County schools honored were:

-- SOAR (Students on Academic Rise) High;

-- La Canada High;

-- Yerba Buena Elementary;

-- Naples Elementary;

-- KIPP Raices Academy;

-- Grand View Elementary;

-- Montemalaga Elementary;

-- Alta Vista Elementary;

-- Valentine Elementary;

-- Academy of the Canyons;

-- Heights Christian Schools; and

-- Legacy Christian Academy.

Officials with the awarded schools will attend a national awards ceremony in early November in Washington, D.C.

Each winner will receive a plaque and flag, which can be flown at their schools as a mark of excellence.

City News Service