Richardson Prep HI Middle School Receives Recognition

SAN BERNARDINO>> Richardson PREP HI Middle School in San Bernardino has ranked among the best public and private schools across the nation by earning a 2016 National Blue Ribbon School award. The U.S. Department of Education recognized 329 schools for being exemplary, high-performing schools or exemplary, achievement-gap closing schools — the only two ways to become a National Blue Ribbon School. Richardson PREP HI was honored for being an exemplary, high-performing school, which means it is among the highest-performing schools as measured by state assessments or national tests. “I am elated that the hard work of our students, staff and parents is being recognized with this prestigious distinction,” said Richardson PREP HI Principal Dr. Natalie Raymundo. “It is an honor to be one of four California middle schools recognized as a Blue Ribbon school this year.” Since the U.S. Department of Education began recognizing National Blue Ribbon Schools in 1982, three San Bernardino City Unified School District schools have claimed the title. Middle College High School earned National Blue Ribbon status in 2008, followed by Richardson PREP HI in 2009 and Hillside Elementary University Demonstration School in 2014. Now, Richardson has earned the honor again this year. “I am very pleased that Richardson has once again been recognized for being a high-achieving school,” said SBCUSD Superintendent Dr. Dale Marsden. “As one of our nation’s highest-performing schools, it is a shining example of what students can accomplish when teachers, administrators, staff, parents, and students work together and hold each other accountable for academic success.” Of the 329 schools honored, 279 are public schools and 50 are private schools. The top education official in every state, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, the Department of Defense Education Activity, and the Bureau of Indian Education nominate campuses to be National Blue Ribbon Schools. The Council for American Private Education nominates private schools.