3 Schools Named National Blue Ribbon Schools In San Diego County​

SAN DIEGO — Three elementary schools in San Diego County were recognized Thursday by the U.S. Department of Education as National Blue Ribbon Schools, honoring overall academic success and progress in closing achievement gaps.

Carlsbad Unified School District's Aviara Oaks Elementary School, Del Mar Union Elementary School District's Del Mar Hills Academy and San Diego Unified School District's Torrey Pines Elementary School were among the 30 schools in California recognized as National Blue Ribbon Schools.

Only 312 public and 50 non-public schools across the country were chosen for the distinction.

The designation is based on student achievement and graduation rates, honoring schools for their overall high scores on state and national assessment tests, as well as for their ability to close achievement gaps between subgroups of students.

Education officials in each state, the Department of Defense Education Activity and the Bureau of Indian Education nominate schools for the National Blue Ribbon Schools program each year.

"We recognize and honor your important work in preparing students for successful careers and meaningful lives," Education Secretary Betsy DeVos said in a statement. "As a National Blue Ribbon School, your school demonstrates what is possible when committed educators hold all students and staff to high standards and create vibrant, innovative cultures of teaching and learning."

State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond also congratulated the state's 30 Blue Ribbon Schools for their investments in learning and teaching environments.

"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," he said.

Now in its 37th year, the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program has recognized more than 9,000 schools. The schools will be honored during a two-day event Nov. 14-15 in Washington, D.C.