On October 23, California Department of Education State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond recognized 31 California schools that were nominated as National Blue Ribbon Schools (NBRS) for 2025 and, following the U.S. Department of Education’s elimination of the NBRS program, are being awarded the distinction of 2025 California Blue Ribbon Schools. Among the 31 recipients is Glendale Unified School District’s (GUSD) Anderson W. Clark Magnet High School. 

This prestigious award honors public and private elementary, middle, and high schools that close achievement and opportunity gaps as well as schools where students demonstrate especially high levels of academic success.

“It’s my pleasure to congratulate these school communities on their hard work to earn recognition as 2025 California Blue Ribbon Schools. While the U.S. Department of Education has abruptly ended the NBRS program, I want to ensure that the hard work of students, staff, and educators does not go unrecognized,” Superintendent Thurmond said. “This award affirms the dedication and achievement of educators, families, and communities in creating safe and welcoming schools where students master challenging and engaging content.”

“Blue Ribbon awards recognize the dedication and achievements of both educators and students, serving as a powerful source of pride for our schools and communities. This prestigious national honor sets schools apart, offering a valuable mark of credibility that can open doors to opportunities such as funding, partnerships, and other support,” said Ingrid Gunnell, President of the GUSD Board of Education. “Losing the national level of recognition is deeply disappointing, but we are grateful that California continues to celebrate the dedication of our educators and students. This state-level recognition ensures that their commitment to excellence doesn’t go unnoticed.”

Anderson W. Clark Magnet High School is a science, technology, engineering, and math magnet located in La Crescenta, California. Clark provides expansive scholastic opportunities beyond the scientific and technological, making the school an attractive option for a diverse student population that desires rigor across the curriculum. The initial vision for Clark was a student-centered curriculum based on real-world group projects, and it continues to emphasize project-based learning that fosters a sense of belonging through inclusive classes that celebrate and build cultural awareness. Clark has a reputation for excellence that goes back to its inception in 1988. It received its first National Blue Ribbon recognition in 2012, is a “California Distinguished School,” and consistently maintains high US News & World Report rankings. Clark’s ongoing commitment to student success exemplifies the qualities celebrated by the Blue Ribbon Awards. 

Blue Ribbon schools are among the state’s highest performing based on all students’ scores, subgroups’ scores, and graduation rates.

California Blue Ribbon School communities will receive official recognition from the CDE and will be formally celebrated at the annual California School Recognition Program celebration in spring of 2026. The California Blue Ribbon School recognition program, established to recognize certified nominees of the cancelled NBRS program, will be awarded for this year only. Other statewide school recognition programs, such as California Distinguished Schools, will continue to recognize exemplary schools across the state. For a full list of the 31 schools awarded the California Blue Ribbon School recognition, please visit the original press release from the California Department of Education.