For the third time (previously in 87-88 and 96-97), Nueva has been named a Blue Ribbon School, one of the top private schools in the nation. This award is given annually to 254 public and 50 private schools (out of nearly 34,000 private schools nationwide), which will be honored at an awards ceremony on Nov. 15-16 in Washington, DC. The program is part of a larger Department of Education effort to identify and disseminate knowledge about best school leadership and teaching practices. Out of the 25 schools in California that were recognized this year, only two others were private schools, neither in the Bay Area. Three public schools in the Bay Area were also recognized.

"Our nation has a responsibility to help all children realize their full potential," US Secretary of Education Arne 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 award honors public and private elementary, middle, and high schools whose students achieve at very high levels, as well as public schools that have made significant progress. Each year since 1982, the U.S. Department of Education has sought out schools where students attain and maintain high academic goals.The award honors schools whose students, regardless of backgrounds, are high performing. These are schools ranked among the state's highest performing schools as measured by their performance on state assessments or in the case of private schools, that score at the highest performance level on tests referenced by national norms.

A total of 413 schools nationwide can be nominated, based on the number of K-12 students and the number of schools in each state, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. The chief state school officer nominates public schools, and the Council for American Private Education (CAPE) submits private schools' nominations. The schools are invited by the secretary of education to submit an application for possible recognition as a Blue Ribbon School.

Diane said, "It’s the efforts of our teachers and staff that make this all possible -- their devotion to our students, their creativity and high standards in the classroom, their tireless efforts outside the classroom, their support of children’s interests and passions. This award is simply a visible acknowledgement of the important work that happens each and every day."