SAN DIEGO (CNS) - Two San Diego-area public schools were named 2018 National Blue Ribbon Schools, the U.S. Department of Education announced today.
The San Diego Jewish Academy Lower School and Carmel Valley Middle School were among the 349 schools recognized by the Department of Education.
Blue ribbon schools are public and private institutions that the government recognizes for their academic excellence and success in closing achievement gaps among students.
More than 8,800 schools in the United States have received the blue ribbon award since the program began in 1982, according to the Department of Education.
"I'm pleased to celebrate with you as your school is named a National Blue Ribbon School," U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos said in a video message sent to blue ribbon award winners.
"We recognize and honor your important work in preparing students for successful careers and meaningful lives. Congratulations on your students' accomplishments and for your extraordinary commitment to meeting their unique needs."
The Department of Education allows up to 420 total school nominations each year from the top education officials in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, the Department of Defense Education Activity, the Bureau of Indian Education and U.S. colonies like Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
The winners will be honored at an awards gathering in Washington, D.C., on Nov. 7- 8. In addition to the two San Diego schools, 10 other California public schools from Alameda, Orange, Riverside, San Luis Obispo, San Mateo and Santa Clara counties were deemed blue ribbon schools.
"Congratulations to all the schools on this list that are helping students achieve their dreams and to the leaders dedicated to and invested in finding ways to close the achievement gap," said State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson.
"The teachers, parents, administrators, and community members at these schools are outstanding examples of innovative things happening in California education."
