NEWS RELEASE
Garfield Elementary Recognized as a National Blue Ribbon School
Prestigious Designation Based on Progress in Closing Achievement Gaps Among Student Subgroups
Wednesday, Sept. 20, 2023
SAN DIEGO - Garfield Elementary School is one of two schools in San Diego County, and 33 in California, to receive a 2023 Blue Ribbon designation for academic excellence in closing achievement gaps among student subgroups.
Garfield Elementary, located in San Diego’s North Park neighborhood, serves some 265 students.
Principal Mechale Mency Murphy said students, families, educators, and staff collectively pulled together as the school emerged from the pandemic.
“It is a rare opportunity for a Title 1 school to be named a National Blue Ribbon School and be identified as an Exemplary High Performing School,” said Murphy. “We hear so much about what students from diverse economic, cultural, and linguistic backgrounds cannot do, Garfield educators consistently demonstrate what students CAN do when given the best learning conditions.”
The National Blue Ribbon Schools Program recognizes outstanding public and private elementary, middle, and high schools. The schools selected for the prestigious recognition are among the state’s highest performing based on all student scores, subgroup student scores, and graduation rates.
“Congratulations to our outstanding Blue Ribbon Schools, where academic excellence and unwavering support for every one of our students is exceptional,” said State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond. “Your commitment to fostering an inclusive and exceptional learning environment exemplifies the true essence of education. Your dedication inspires us all, and we celebrate your remarkable achievement.”
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.
The Casita Center for Technology, Science and Math in Vista Unified School District is the other San Diego County school to receive the honor. See all the schools recognized in 2023.
More information about the national program, which began in 1982, is available on the U.S. Department of Education National Blue Ribbon Schools web page.
Contact: Communications Director Maureen Magee, [email protected].
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