South Lake Middle School has been named a 2024 National Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education, one of just 356 schools nationwide to receive this prestigious recognition. In California, 33 schools earned this honor, with South Lake being one of only two from Orange County. This marks IUSD’s 21st Blue Ribbon School designation since the program's inception in 1983. South Lake was recognized as an Exemplary High Performing School for its outstanding performance on state assessments and nationally normed tests.
“This recognition is a tribute to our amazing South Lake faculty, staff, parents, and students,” said Principal Belinda Averill. “As a school, we embrace the unique perspectives and talents of our diverse community, sharing a collective mission to support both academic and personal growth. Our staff is passionate about empowering students to become intellectual risk-takers, problem solvers, and confident learners who can navigate their futures with the attitudes, skills, and knowledge necessary for success and a lifelong love of learning.”
“The National Blue Ribbon Schools Award is a testament to the exceptional achievements of students and educators at each of these schools,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona. “The 2024 National Blue Ribbon Schools are raising the bar for our nation’s students, serving as models for effective teaching and intentional collaboration in their schools and communities. As we celebrate their achievements, let us look to these schools for inspiration as we champion education as the foundation of a brighter future for every child.”
Now in its 41st year, the National Blue Ribbon Schools program has awarded approximately 10,000 honors to 9,800 schools since its founding more than four decades ago. This prestigious award spotlights public and private schools for overall academic performance or their progress in closing achievement gaps.
The U.S. Department of Education recognizes all schools based on student performance data, including assessment results, student subgroup performance, and graduation rates. Schools are recognized in both or either of two performance categories:
Exemplary High Performing Schools: These schools are among the top performers in their state as measured by state assessments or nationally normed tests.
Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing Schools: These schools excel in narrowing achievement gaps between different student groups and the overall student body.
Each nominated school submits a comprehensive application detailing its school culture, programs, assessments, instructional practices, professional development, leadership, family, and community involvement. For more information, visit nationalblueribbonschools.ed.gov.
Congratulations to South Lake Middle School for this outstanding achievement!
IUSD National Blue Ribbon Schools
Elementary Schools
Brywood Elementary 1991
Canyon View Elementary 2003
Deerfield Elementary 2007
Meadow Park Elementary 1998
Northwood Elementary 2008
Stonegate Elementary 1998 (Westwood), 2013 and 2019
K-8 Schools
Vista Verde K-8 School 1996, 2020
Middle Schools
Lakeside Middle School 1990, 2012
Rancho San Joaquin Middle School 1997
Southlake Middle School 2024
Venado Middle School 1982 and 1995
High Schools
Irvine High School 1988
Northwood High School 2006
University High School 1986
Woodbridge High School 1986, 2022