Northwood and University Receive 2015 California Gold Ribbon Schools Award

Northwood and University high schools have been named 2015 California Gold Ribbon Schools, the State’s highest recognition for public schools.  Both schools were among 180 high schools to receive this prestigious designation.   

The California Gold Ribbon Schools Award was created to honor schools in place of the California Distinguished Schools Program, which is on hiatus while California creates new assessment and accountability systems.  Schools applied for the award based on a model program their school has adopted that includes standards-based activities, projects, strategies and practices that can be replicated by other local educational agencies. "These schools are academically successful, vibrant, and innovative centers of learning and teaching," said State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson.  “They provide great examples of the things educators are doing right—embracing rigorous academic standards, providing excellence and creativity in teaching, and creating a positive school climate." In addition to being chosen as a Gold Ribbon School, Northwood was given an additional honor of being selected as having an Exemplary Program in Arts Education. “We are proud of Northwood and University teachers, staff, students and parents, who exemplify our mission to provide the highest quality educational experience we can envision,” said Irvine Superintendent of Schools Terry Walker.