Note: Academy of the Canyons in the Hart District, along with the private Legacy Christian Academy, received National Club Ribbon status this year.

U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan recognized 335 schools as National Blue Ribbon Schools for 2015 on Tuesday, based on their overall academic excellence or their progress in closing achievement gaps among student subgroups. Academy of the Canyons is a Hart School District middle college on the College of the Canyons campus.

“This honor recognizes your students’ accomplishments and the hard work and dedication that went into their success,” Duncan said in a video message to the awardees. “Your journey has taught you collaboration, intentional instruction, and strong relationships in school and with your community. You represent excellence—in vision, in implementation, and in results—and we want to learn as much as we can from you.”

The Department will honor 285 public and 50 private schools at a recognition ceremony on Nov. 9-10 in Washington, D.C. In its 33-year history, the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program has bestowed this coveted award on more than 8,000 of America’s schools.

“This special recognition exemplifies the overall quality and academic experience found only at Academy of the Canyons,” said Dr. Pete Getz, principal at AOC. “The entire school community is extremely proud of being recognized as a National Blue Ribbon school.”

“AOC is unique because it gives high school students the opportunity to earn college credits and experience college life while they are still earning their high school diploma,” said Vicki Engbrecht, Superintendent of the Hart School District. “The school consistently ranks at the top academically of all high schools throughout the county and state, and we are proud of the teachers and staff who can make this happen.

The National Blue Ribbon Schools Program honors public and private elementary, middle, and high schools where students either achieve very high learning standards or are making notable improvements in closing the achievement gap. The award plaque affirms the hard work of students, educators, families and communities in creating safe and welcoming schools where students master challenging content. The award flag gracing a school’s building is a widely recognized symbol of exemplary teaching and learning.

All schools are recognized in one of two performance categories, based on all student scores, subgroup student scores and graduation rates:

Exemplary High Performing Schools are among their state’s highest performing schools as measured by state assessments or nationally normed tests. Student subgroup performance and high school graduation rates are also at the highest levels.
Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing Schools are among their state’s highest performing schools in closing achievement gaps between a school’s subgroups and all students over the past five years. Student subgroup performance and high school graduation rates for each subgroup are at high levels.

The Department invites National Blue Ribbon School nominations from 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. The Council for American Private Education (CAPE) nominates private schools. A total of 420 schools nationwide may be nominated, with allocations determined by the numbers of K-12 students and schools in each jurisdiction. The U.S. Secretary of Education invites nominated schools to submit an application for possible recognition as a National Blue Ribbon School.

“We are incredibly proud of this recognition,” said Legacy Christian Academy Principal Dr. Matthew Northrop. “Our administration, teachers, parents and students are all deeply honored to receive this award. Being named a National Blue Ribbon School is a testament to Legacy’s accelerated academic curriculum, STEM programming and technology investments, warm community culture that exalts Christ and family of educators and parents that works so hard to provide the best for our students.”

About Legacy Christian Academy

Established in 1995, Legacy Christian Academy (LCA) is an independent, Christian school offering a well-rounded preparatory education to students in kindergarten through eighth grade. LCA is dedicated to building a strong academic foundation in the lives of students, partnering with parents in the process, and teaching students to demonstrate Biblical character. A positive, joy-filled culture cultivates this process. Ultimately, Legacy graduates demonstrate 21st century leadership skills and service to Christ and community.

LCA accelerates its academic expectations in the core skills of reading, writing, and mathematics.  Students receive differentiated, small-group instruction from two teachers in each elementary classroom for a student-teacher ratio of 13:1.  LCA’s premier educational program emphasizes excellence in written communication, public speaking, and interpersonal skills.  A primary focus of academic enrichment is the acquisition of advanced technological and science skills. STEM learning is promoted through MIND math, the computer lab, and FOSS science labs.  A secondary enrichment focus is on the arts, both visual and performing, as well as languages (Spanish and Mandarin). Legacy’s Middle School additionally provides students with innovative elective choices (i.e. architecture and robotics), engaging them in 21st century learning and career pathways. Physical education for all grades, competitive athletic teams and fun intramural sports round out Legacy’s comprehensive program.

In addition, students are globally connected through its partnership with Legacy Uganda, a sister school started by Legacy founders. Its program models after LCA’s positive approach, which magnifies the joy of learning, creates a warm, family environment, and increases student achievement.