The SAUSD’s Middle College High School earns National Blue Ribbon status

SAUSD’s Middle College High School Recognized for Exemplary Work in Academic Excellence for Students

Named National Blue Ribbon School for Second Time- Only High School Named in Orange County for 2015

(September 29, 2015) – Middle College High School in the Santa Ana Unified School District was recognized for the second time as a National Blue Ribbon School for its excellence in providing high learning standards for students. The announcement came this morning from U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan as he recognized all 335 National Blue Ribbon schools 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. Only eight high schools were selected in California, and Middle College is the only high school in Orange County selected for 2015.

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. Middle College was recognized in the category of Exemplary High Performing Schools.

“We would not have been able to receive this distinction if it were not for the wonderful partnership with Santa Ana College and its amazing program that adds value to our students’ education. Our students are not only receiving a high-quality high school education but access to rigorous college courses,” said Apps.

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.

To learn more about the National Blue Ribbon School program, visit the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program website.

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Art Pedroza Editor

Our Editor, Art Pedroza, worked at the O.C. Register and the OC Weekly and studied journalism at CSUF and UCI. He has lived in Santa Ana for over 30 years and has served on several city and county commissions. When he is not writing or editing Pedroza specializes in risk control and occupational safety. He also teaches part time at Cerritos College and CSUF. Pedroza has an MBA from Keller University.

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