Golden Elementary in Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District, was awarded Monday a 2018 National Blue Ribbon, the country’s top prize for schools based on students’ academic performance.
The Placentia school is among 12 statewide, and the only one in Orange County, awarded a Blue Ribbon by the U.S. Department of Education. Nationally, 349 schools were recognized.
“We are extremely proud of Golden’s tremendous achievement,” said PYLUSD Superintendent, Dr. Greg Plutko. “Golden’s students, teachers, staff, administrators, and community members are to be congratulated for their dedicated work and remarkable success. This accolade shines a light on the school’s high expectations for all students through rigorous and relevant educational experiences.”
The National Blue Ribbon Schools Program honors public and private elementary, middle and high schools based on all student scores, subgroup student scores, and graduation rates. To become eligible, schools must rank among their state’s highest performing schools as measured by state assessments or national tests.
“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,” state Superintendent Tom Torlakson said in a news release.
“The teachers, parents, administrators, and community members at these schools are outstanding examples of innovative things happening in California education,” he added.
In California, schools that received a California Distinguished School Award, the state’s top prize for individual campuses, are eligible to apply for the federal prize.
Now in its 36th year, the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program has recognized more than 8,800 schools. The prize is often described as the Oscar for schools. Real estate agents often tout Blue Ribbon schools in neighborhoods to help sell homes and increase prices.
On Nov. 7 and 8, the U.S. Department of Education will celebrate with these winners at an awards ceremony in Washington, D.C.