Earlier this year, word came down that the long-running National Blue Ribbon Schools program had been discontinued by the U.S. Department of Education.
Nevertheless, California has announced its own list of nominees for 2025, recognizing campuses that demonstrate exceptional academic performance or progress in closing opportunity gaps.
Four Orange County schools were among the 31 nominees statewide:
Oxford Academy, Anaheim Union High School District
Troy High School, Fullerton Joint Union High School District
Lutheran High School of Orange County, Pacific Southwest District
Tustin Memorial Academy, Tustin Unified School District
State Superintendent Tony Thurmond congratulated the nominees on Thursday, saying the recognition affirms “the dedication and achievement of educators, families, and communities in creating safe and welcoming schools where students master challenging and engaging content.”
The California Blue Ribbon Schools recognition was created as a one-time distinction to honor the schools that would have been eligible for the national award. Campuses will receive official recognition from the California Department of Education and will be celebrated at a California School Recognition Program event in spring 2026.
While the federal Blue Ribbon program has ended, the CDE said other statewide recognitions — such as the California Distinguished Schools program — will continue to spotlight exemplary public and private schools across the state.