PLEASANT HILL, Calif.—Middle College High School (MCHS) in the West Contra Costa Unified School District, has been selected as one of California’s National Blue Ribbon Schools, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond announced last week. MCHS is one of 33 schools in the state honored with the prestigious award.
This award honors public and private elementary, middle, and high schools that close achievement and opportunity gaps and where students achieve high learning standards. The award is determined by a school’s overall academic performance or progress in closing opportunity gaps among student subgroups. Middle College High School is among the state’s highest performing schools based on all student scores, subgroup student scores, and graduation rates.
“Kudos to Middle College High School for receiving this esteemed honor,” Contra Costa County Superintendent of Schools Lynn Mackey said. “Being one of California’s National Blue Ribbon Schools is an accomplishment derived from planning and inclusion of support staff, educators, students, families, and the school community at large. Collectively, Middle College High has made great strides at creating a welcoming learning environment that promotes academic success.”
National Blue Ribbon Schools are a beacon for schools striving for excellence. In its 40-year history, the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program has bestowed approximately 10,000 awards to more than 9,700 schools.
Public schools are nominated by top education officials in each state, the Department of Defense Education Activity, and the Bureau of Indian Education. Private schools are nominated by the Council for American Private Education. More information about the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program can be found on the U.S. Department of Education National Blue Ribbon Schools web page.