2 OC Schools Earn Prestigious Federal Blue Ribbon Award

ORANGE COUNTY, CA — U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona on Monday announced 356 schools as the 2024 National Blue Ribbon Schools cohort, including 30 in the Golden State.

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.

"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."

In California, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond celebrated the achievement Monday as a reflection of the hard work educators, students and families put in to build positive spaces for learning.

"It's an honor to recognize our exceptional Blue Ribbon Schools, where academic excellence and support for every student truly shine," Thurmond said. "Their commitment to creating an inclusive and outstanding learning environment embodies our mission for education here in California. Their dedication is an inspiration to us all, and we proudly celebrate this remarkable achievement."

In Orange County, South Lake Middle School in the Irvine Unified School District and Mission Viejo Christian School were both awarded 2024 Blue Ribbon winners.

"This recognition is a tribute to our amazing South Lake faculty, staff, parents, and students," South Lake Principal Principal Belinda Averill said. "As a school, we embrace the unique perspectives and talents of our diverse community, sharing a collective mission to support both academic and personal growth. Our staff is passionate about empowering students to become intellectual risk-takers, problem solvers, and confident learners who can navigate their futures with the attitudes, skills, and knowledge necessary for success and a lifelong love of learning."

Find the 30 2024 Blue Ribbon winners in California below:

• Alameda Science and Technology Institute, Alameda Unified School District
• John Muir Elementary School, Berkeley Unified
• Creekside Middle School, Castro Valley Unified
• Warm Springs Elementary School, Fremont Unified
• Southgate Elementary School, Hayward Unified School District
• Madison Elementary School, San Leandro Unified
• Lake Forest Elementary School, Rescue Union Elementary
• Design Science Middle College High School, Fresno Unified
• Monroe Elementary School, Hanford Elementary School District
• California Academy of Mathematics and Science, Long Beach Unified School District
• Gretchen Whitney High School, ABC Unified
• Students On Academic Rise (SOAR) High School, Antelope Valley Union High School District
• Renaissance Arts Academy, Renaissance Arts Academy
• Palos Verdes High School, Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District
• San Marino High School, San Marino Unified
• Mt. SAC Early College Academy at West Covina, West Covina Unified
• Wallen L. Andrews School, Whittier City School District
• Dr. Richard A. Vladovic Harbor Teacher Preparation Academy, Los Angeles Unified
• South Lake Middle School, Irvine Unified
• Mission Viejo Christian School
• William Kaseberg Elementary School, Roseville City Elementary
• Western Center Academy, Hemet Unified
• West Campus High School, Sacramento City Unified
• Sessions Elementary School, San Diego Unified School District
• Mountain House High School, Lammersville Joint Unified
• Los Ranchos Elementary School, San Luis Coastal Unified
• Joaquin Miller Middle School, Cupertino Union School District
• Leigh High School, Campbell Union High
• Lynbrook High School, Fremont Union High School District
• Twin Rivers Charter School, Twin Rivers Charter

Learn more about the award here.