La Jolla Elementary School in La Jolla is one of 329 schools across the nation to be named a 2016 National Blue Ribbon School, U.S. Secretary of Education John B. King announced Sept. 28.
The National Blue Ribbon School designation for La Jolla Elementary recognizes that it is a campus where students achieve very high learning standards, according to the Department of Education. These “Exemplary High Performing” campuses are recognized among their state’s highest performing schools, as measured by state assessments or nationally normed tests. The award affirms the hard work of students, educators, families, and communities in creating safe and welcoming schools where students master challenging content.
“This recognition is a shining example of our students achieving at the highest level,” said Superintendent Cindy Marten. “I congratulate the staff, students, parents and La Jolla Elementary community for their hard work.”
In Washington, King saluted the results achieved by all Blue Ribbon schools.
“National Blue Ribbon Schools are proof that we can prepare every child for college and meaningful careers, King 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,” Kind said.
California’s Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson also congratulated the 29 California public schools that are recognized as 2016 National Blue Ribbon Schools.
“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,” Torlakson said. “We are making progress, but we must keep our momentum going because we have much work to do.”
Previous San Diego Unified schools to receive the honor in recent years include Torrey Pines, Ericson, Florence and Fletcher elementary schools, Kearny High Digital Media & Design and San Diego High School of International Studies.
To select National Blue Ribbon Schools, the Department requested nominations from the top education official in every state, the District of Columbia, the territories, the Department of Defense Education Activity, and the Bureau of Indian Education. The Council for American Private Education nominates private schools. A total of 420 schools nationwide may be nominated, with allocations determined by the numbers of K-12 students and schools in each jurisdiction. The Secretary of Education invites nominated schools to submit an application for possible recognition as a National Blue Ribbon School.
Now in its 34th year, the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program has bestowed this coveted award on fewer than 8,500 schools. On Nov. 7 and 8, the Department will formally recognize the 279 public and 50 private schools at an awards ceremony in Washington, D.C.