The State Department of Education designated seven North County schools as “Gold Ribbon Schools” on Tuesday. This honor temporarily replaces the California Distinguished Schools Program.
“These schools are academically successful, vibrant, and innovative centers of learning and teaching,” said Tom Torlakson, state superintendent of public instruction. “They provide great examples of the things educators are doing right — embracing rigorous academic standards, providing excellence and creativity in teaching, and creating a positive school climate.”
The Gold Ribbon awards recognize California schools that have made gains in implementing the academic content and performance standards adopted by the State Board of Education. Statewide, 193 middle schools and 180 high schools were honored this year. Elementary schools will be recognized in 2016.
The North County schools receiving honors are:
— Meadowbrook Middle School in the Poway Unified School District;
— Olive Peirce Middle School and Mountain Valley Academy in the Ramona Unified School District;
— Oak Crest Middle School in the San Dieguito Union High School District;
— San Elijo Middle School in the San Marcos Unified School District;
— Vista High School and Vista Magnet Middle School in the Vista Unified School District.
Vista High School also was one of 38 schools in the state given an Exemplary Program honor. Vista High was awarded for their Exemplary Career Technical Education Program.