29 California Schools Among 271 in U.S. Noted for All-Around Excellence

Twenty-nine California junior and senior high schools have been named winners in the U.S. Department of Education’s Secondary School Recognition Program. They are among 271 schools chosen nationwide out of 670 nominations submitted by top school officials in each state.

According to a department spokeswoman, all of the schools set high academic goals, had a well-defined curriculum, were drug-free and had a system of rewards and incentives for students and teachers. In addition, the schools emphasized development of character and values and enjoyed strong parent and community support. High attendance rates and test scores also were a factor in the selection.

“These schools worked extraordinarily hard, and as a result have much to show for it,” said Education Secretary William Bennett.

Here are the winning Southern California schools:

Junior High-Middle Schools--Audubon Junior H.S., Los Angeles; D. Russell Parks Junior H.S., Fullerton; Los Altos Intermediate School, Camarillo; Mesa Union School, Somis; Palms Junior H.S., Los Angeles.

High Schools--Cate School, Carpinteria; Claremont H.S., Claremont; Gretchen Whitney H.S., Cerritos; Orange Glen H.S., Escondido; Southwest H.S., San Diego; Torrey Pines H.S., Leucadia; University H.S., Irvine; Woodbridge H.S., Irvine.