Two Los Angeles Unified Schools Recognized as National ‘Blue Ribbon’ Awardees
Los Angeles, CA (September 16, 2022) — Colfax Charter and Kester Avenue Elementary Schools have both been named as National Blue Ribbon Schools for 2022, according to a U.S. Department of Education announcement released Friday.
The two campuses are being honored among 29 in California and 297 in the nation for “creating vibrant, welcoming, and affirming school communities where students can learn, grow, reach their potential, and achieve their dreams,” according to U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona.
“Congratulations to Colfax Charter and Kester Avenue Elementary Schools for being recognized as outstanding schools, with exceptional school communities,” Superintendent Alberto M. Carvalho said. “Los Angeles Unified will be the premier urban school district in the nation, led by schools like Colfax and Kester.”
For 39 years, the U.S. Secretary of Education has identified schools showing exemplary achievement in student outcomes, either among groups that are traditionally lower performing or as a whole school. This year, both Colfax and Kester were recognized in the whole school category as “Exemplary High Performing Schools.”
“We are honored and excited to be a 2022 National Blue Ribbon school,” Kester Avenue Elementary School Principal Kristine McIntire said. “We are proud of our team effort in cultivating a community that values active parent participation, targets professional development and staff collaboration to meet the diverse needs of our learning community, and consistently demonstrates a dedication to ensuring student success. We have proven beyond a doubt that we specialize in meeting our students and families where they are and supporting their growth and development in academic, behavioral, and social-emotional areas.”
“It is amazing to be recognized by the National Blue Ribbon Award committee and the U.S. Department of Education,” Colfax Charter Elementary School Principal Eddie Gorton said. “This award speaks to the tremendous educational environment we have created here at Colfax Charter Elementary School. I could not be more proud of our exemplary faculty, amazing students and supportive parents who all work tirelessly to create a one-of-a-kind learning community for all.”
Schools are recognized based on schoolwide student scores and graduation rates. They are among their state's highest performing schools as measured by state assessments or nationally normed tests. Both public and private schools are eligible for selection and span all grade levels. Nominations are made by the top education official in all states, the District of Columbia, U.S. territories, the Department of Defense Education Activity, and the Bureau of Indian Education. Private schools are nominated by the Council for American Private Education.
“Congratulations to both schools on this exciting achievement!” Board President Kelly Gonez said. “I’m so proud to recognize the hard work of the administrators, teachers, and staff at these schools, who worked tirelessly to ensure their students could thrive despite the challenges brought on by the last few years.”
“Congratulations to the students, the teachers and staff, the parents and guardians, the entire school communities and especially the principals on receiving this national recognition,” Board Member Dr. George J. McKenna III said. “These are a couple of examples of the excellent schools throughout Los Angeles Unified.”
“Congratulations to the 2022 National Blue Ribbon Schools for this well-deserved recognition,” Board Member Scott M. Schmerelson said. “I want to thank our students, teachers, staff and administrators for working diligently to build excellent and innovative programs at their schools. All our schools are working hard but these two schools have surpassed all expectations.”
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