SOUTH PASADENA, Calif. (September 16, 2022) – U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona has announced 297 schools, including South Pasadena Middle School (SPMS), as 2022 National Blue Ribbon Schools. The recognition is based on a school’s overall academic performance or progress in closing achievement gaps among student subgroups.

“I applaud all the honorees for the 2022 National Blue Ribbon Schools Award for creating vibrant, welcoming, and affirming school communities where students can learn, grow, reach their potential, and achieve their dreams,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona. “As our country continues to recover from the pandemic, we know that our future will only be as strong as the education we provide to all of our children. Blue Ribbon Schools have gone above and beyond to keep students healthy and safe while meeting their academic, social, emotional, and mental health needs. These schools show what is possible to make an enduring, positive difference in students’ lives.”

The coveted National Blue Ribbon Schools award affirms the hard work of students, educators, families and communities in striving for–and attaining–exemplary achievement. South Pasadena Middle School has been honorably designated as an 2022 Exemplary High Performing School. The school joins Marengo (2020), Arroyo Vista (2019), and Monterey Hills (2019) in receiving the highly sought after distinction.

“We are very impressed by South Pasadena Middle School and its recognition as a National Blue Ribbon School,” said Superintendent Geoff Yantz. “The team at SPMS has undergone several changes in the past few years and continues to keep students at the forefront of excellent teaching and learning strategies. This outstanding accomplishment comes through the persistent efforts of the entire school community, including the support staff who contribute to its success on a daily basis. South Pasadena Unified School District has the distinct honor of being the home of four National Blue Ribbon Schools, and we are so proud.”

With its 39th cohort this year, the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program has bestowed almost 10,000 awards to more than 9,000 schools. A National Blue Ribbon School flag gracing a school’s entryway or on a flagpole is a widely-recognized symbol of exemplary teaching and learning.
The Education Department recognizes all schools in one of two performance categories, based on all student scores, student subgroup scores and graduation rates:

Up to 420 schools may be nominated each year. The Department invites National Blue Ribbon School nominations from the top education official in all states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, the Department of Defense Education Activity, and the Bureau of Indian Education. Private schools are nominated by The Council for American Private Education (CAPE).
The 2022 National Blue Ribbon Schools Awards Ceremony will be held in Washington D.C. on November 3-4, 2022.

 
About South Pasadena Unified School District
Established in 1886, the South Pasadena Unified School District (SPUSD) serves approximately 4,800 students within five schools including three elementary schools, one middle school and one comprehensive high school in South Pasadena, California. Nestled in the West San Gabriel Valley, SPUSD has earned a reputation of providing high quality public education, attracting families who value challenging academic programs and outstanding teachers. Consistently recognized for superior performance, SPUSD students earn honors at the local, state and national level. The District draws vital support from parents and community members through the South Pasadena Educational Foundation, local PTAs and booster clubs.

 

For more information, contact: South Pasadena Unified School District, Office of the Superintendent at [email protected].