California Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson announced 275 public middle and high schools as Gold Ribbon Schools last month, but now 23 of those schools are receiving additional honors.
The 23 schools have been selected for Exemplary Program Awards in arts education, career technical education, physical activity and nutrition, or even awards in multiple categories.
The Exemplary Program Awards was created in 2013 to recognize schools following Torlakson’s plan for the California education system, as outlined in his report “A Blueprint for Great Schools,” according to a statement from the California Department of Education.
“We know that school offerings outside of core academic subject areas, in addition to sparking creative minds and producing healthy bodies, keep students engaged in school, connected and on the path to graduation,” said Torlakson.
In San Diego County, San Marcos Unified will be recognized for its arts education program. Twenty-one San Diego schools will be recognized as Gold Ribbon Schools.
Schools receiving awards will be honored during regional ceremonies in Costa Mesa, Santa Clara, Los Angeles and Sacramento later in May.
