Four Schools Earn Blue Ribbons

Four Orange County high schools have been named Blue Ribbon Schools by the U.S. Department of Education for 1999-2000:

* Aliso Niguel High

* Laguna Hills High

* Newport Harbor High

* Troy High

Since 1982, the Blue Ribbon award, which alternates each year between elementary and secondary schools, has been used to designate the nation’s best schools with high student achievement, strong parental involvement and strong arts and technology programs.

Schools nominated for the award are selected based on student performance on standardized tests and a self-evaluation of the school’s progress on everything from student spirit to challenging standards and curriculum.

Nominated schools are visited by a national team of evaluators. They are judged on student focus and support; school organization and culture; challenging standards and curriculum; active teaching and learning; professional community; leadership and educational vitality; school, family and community partnerships; and indicators of success.

For more information, visit https://www.ed .gov/offices /OERI/BlueRibbonSchools.