Castro Valley, Hayward Schools Awarded Federal Blue Ribbon Awards

CASTRO VALLEY, CA — U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona announced on Monday that 356 schools across the nation were named as 2024 National Blue Ribbon Schools, including 33 in California and one each in Castro Valley and Hayward.

Creekside Middle School in Castro Valley and Southgate Elementary School in Hayward were both chosen.

Creekside was praised for its overall commitment to students. "In addition to a rigorous curriculum, Creekside offers extracurricular opportunities such as MathCounts clubs and Science Olympiad. These academic programs are coordinated by parent volunteers, where students compete in specialized subject matters across the district, region, and state. Last year, our Science Olympiad team won the Regional Championships, and moved on to compete at the state level."

Southgate serves a diverse population with compassion and commitment. "We have created an inclusive environment for students of all abilities that meets their academic and social-emotional needs. Our compassionate teachers strive for personal connections with students and parents. Hayward Unified supports our teachers through ongoing professional development."

The prestigious recognition highlights schools that either excel in academic performance or make significant strides in closing achievement gaps among different student groups:

• Exemplary High Performing Schools

These schools are among the top performers in their state as measured by state assessments or nationally normed tests.

• Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing Schools

These schools excel in narrowing achievement gaps between different student groups and the overall student body.

Elsewhere in the East Bay, Alameda, Berkeley, Fremont, and San Leandro also had schools selected. In the wider Bay Area, three San Jose schools were chosen.

"The National Blue Ribbon Schools Award is a testament to the exceptional achievements of students and educators at each of these schools," said U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona.

"The 2024 National Blue Ribbon Schools are raising the bar for our nation’s students, serving as models for effective teaching and intentional collaboration in their schools and communities."