Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School Named as National Blue Ribbon School

SANTA MONICA, CA — A Santa Monica-Malibu Unified school was named a National Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education on Wednesday.

Edison Language Academy was one of six schools in the Los Angeles County area to be honored. Statewide, 33 Blue Ribbon Schools were named in California.

"This recognition for California is a testament to the hard work of our educators, administrators, and communities to prepare our students for both 21st century careers and college," said Tom Torlakson, state superintendent of public instruction. "We are making progress, but we must keep our momentum going because we have much work to do."

Edison was selected based on student achievement and progress in closing the achievement gap between various classes of pupils.

"National Blue Ribbon Schools are proof that we can prepare every child for college and meaningful careers, U.S. Secretary of Education John B. King Jr. said in a video message to honorees. "Your schools are on the cutting edge, pioneering innovative educational practices—professional learning communities, project-based learning, social and emotional learning, positive behavior systems—making you shining examples for your communities, your state and the nation."

School officials will be recognized Nov. 7-8, 2016, in Washington, D.C., where the school will receive a plaque and flag. Blue Ribbon winners may fly the flag at their schools as a symbol of exemplary teaching and learning.

— City News Service contributed to this report, photo courtesy of Edison Language Academy