High School In Gilroy Wins National Blue Ribbon School Honors

GILROY, CA — A Gilroy high school was among the 325 schools recognized nationwide as a National Blue Ribbon School for 2021.

The Dr. T.J. Owens Early College Academy, known as GECA, was given the prestigious honor this year, one of seven Bay Area schools to be chosen by U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona. The National Blue Ribbon Schools Program recognizes schools excellence, turn-around stories and closing subgroup achievement gaps, according to the program’s website.

"This year's cohort of honorees demonstrates what is possible when committed educators and school leaders create vibrant welcoming, and affirming school cultures where rich teaching and learning can flourish," Cardona said in a statement.

GECA was founded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and operates as an early college school. It has been consistently ranked among the top high schools in the state.

Six other Bay Area schools were part of the honors this year:

• Burton Valley Elementary School in the Lafayette School District
• Saint Simon Parish School in the Diocese of San Jose
• Technology High School in the Cotati-Rohnert Park Unified School District
• Ross Elementary School in the Ross Elementary School District
• Chinese Immersion School at DeAvila in the San Francisco Unified School District
• Challenger School - Berryessa in the Challenger School District

Bay City News contributed to this report.