State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond this week congratulated 30 California public schools, including Arcadia Unified’s Longley Way Elementary, that have been chosen as 2019 National Blue Ribbon Schools. This coveted award honors public and private elementary, middle, and high schools where students achieve high learning standards.
“Congratulations to these schools that have tremendous programs dedicated to, and invested in, creating state-of-the-art learning and teaching environments,” Thurmond said. “This recognition is well-deserved, and special thanks go to the educators and the school communities that meet students’ unique needs in order for all of their students to reach their full potential.”
The award affirms the hard work of educators, families, and communities in creating safe and welcoming schools where students master challenging and engaging content. In its 37-year history, the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program has presented this award to more than 9,000 schools.
Schools are recognized based on schoolwide student scores, subgroup student scores, and graduation rates. They are among their state’s highest performing schools as measured by state assessments or national tests.
Public schools are nominated by top education officials in each state, the Department of Defense Education Activity, and the Bureau of Indian Education. More information about the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program can be found on the U.S. Department of Education website.
