SAUSD’s Middle College High School to celebrate National Blue Ribbon Honor with ceremony

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 10, 2015

Contact: Deidra Powell, Chief Communications Officer, deidra.powell@sausd.us, (916) 534-6559 Mobile

SAUSD’s Middle College High School to Celebrate National Blue Ribbon Honor with Ceremony

(December 10, 2015) – To celebrate the recognition of Middle College High School in the Santa Ana Unified School District being recognized as a National Blue Ribbon School for its excellence in providing high learning standards for students, a ceremony will be held on Friday, December 11, 2015, at 10:00 a.m. at Phillips Hall, located on the campus of Santa Ana College, 1530 West 17th Street, Santa Ana.

Middle College High School joins 334 other schools across the United States with the prestigious distinction of being selected a National Blue Ribbon school for their overall academic excellence and their progress in closing achievement gaps among student subgroups – clearly a demonstration that all students can achieve to high levels.” I’m extremely proud to be the principal of a school with students that work so hard and teachers that put in such an amazing amount of effort to make sure that each student’s needs are being met,” said Dr. Kathy Apps, Principal of Middle College High School.

Middle College High School is located on the Santa Ana College campus, and it’s a collaborative partnership between Santa Ana Unified School District and Santa Ana College. As an “early college” high school, Middle College provides opportunity for students to be dually enrolled in high school and community college classes; thus, preparing and supporting them in college readiness while still in high school. With a student population of 328 students in grades 9-12 and 97% Hispanic, the school’s mission since it opened its’ doors in 1997 is to provide a supportive, academically and challenging environment for under-served youth with potential that leads not only to a robust high school education, but also to independence and success in college and in our global society. In 2015, the school had a 100% graduation rate. In 2014, 61% of its seniors enrolled in four-year universities. Middle College High School was awarded the National Blue Ribbon School distinction in 2009.

All National Blue Ribbon Schools are recognized in one of two performance categories, based on all student scores, subgroup student scores and graduation rates.

Exemplary High Performing Schools are among their state’s highest performing schools as measured by state assessments or nationally normed tests. Student subgroup performance and high school graduation rates are also at the highest levels.

Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing Schools are among their state’s highest performing schools in closing achievement gaps between a school’s subgroups and all students over the past five years. Student subgroup performance and high school graduation rates for each subgroup are at high levels.

If you are interested in covering this event, please contact Deidra Powell, Chief Communications Officer for the Santa Ana Unified School District at (916) 534-6559 or deidra.powell@sausd.us. Immediately following the ceremony, students will enjoy a school-wide barbecue with musical entertainment. Interviews will be available with students, teachers, and school administrators.

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