The Preuss School UCSD will be honored along with approximately 300 Blue Ribbon Schools from across the nation at an awards ceremony Nov. 15-16 in Washington, D.C.

The Preuss School UCSD, located on the University of California, San Diego campus, has been named a national Blue Ribbon School — setting a standard of excellence for all schools striving for the highest level of achievement, according to U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan.

The prestigious award annually honors elementary, middle and high schools whose students achieve at very high levels or have made significant progress and helped close gaps in achievement, especially among disadvantaged and minority students.  

“Our nation has a responsibility to help all children realize their full potential,” Duncan said. “Schools honored with the Blue Ribbon Schools award are committed to achievement and to ensuring that students learn and succeed. Their work reflects the conviction that every child has promise and must receive a quality education.”

The Preuss School UCSD, which is jointly chartered by the San Diego Unified School District and UC San Diego, is a middle and high school dedicated to providing intensive college preparation for motivated low-income students who will represent the first generation in their families to graduate from college.

The Preuss School UCSD will be honored along with approximately 300 Blue Ribbon Schools from across the nation at an awards ceremony Nov. 15-16 in Washington, D.C.

The Preuss School UCSD has been recognized as National Blue Ribbon School by U.S. Department of Education.

“Preuss has been named a California Distinguished School for years and this national recognition from the Department of Education is an incredible honor,” said Preuss principal Scott Barton. “It’s a testament to the achievements of Preuss’ teachers, students, staff and our support from UC San Diego, the San Diego Unified School District and partners in the community.”

As a Blue Ribbon School, Preuss serves as a model for other schools throughout the nation. With 820 students in grades 6-12, Preuss has a record high Academic Performance Index Score (API) of 894, which is one of the highest in the county.

Established in 1982 by the Department of Education, more than 6,000 of America’s schools have received this coveted award in the past 28 years.  The complete list of the 2010 Blue Ribbon Schools and their achievements is available at http://www.ed.gov/.

For information about the Preuss School UCSD visit http://preuss.ucsd.edu.