Desert View Academy recognized nationally for academic performance

Recognition includes progress in closing student-subgroup achievement gaps

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona recognizes 325 schools Tuesday as National Blue Ribbon Schools for 2021. Of those, he names five which are in Arizona, including one here in Yuma.

"This year’s cohort of honorees demonstrates what is possible when committed educators and school leaders create vibrant, welcoming, and affirming school cultures where rich teaching and learning can flourish," expresses Secretary Cardona.

The Arizona schools named as National Blue Ribbon Schools were:

• Mesa – Franklin East Elementary School, Mesa Public Schools.
• Tolleson – University High School, Tolleson Union High School District.
• Tucson – Jacob C. Fruchthendler Elementary School, Tucson Unified School District.
• Tucson – Mesquite Elementary School, Vail Unified School District.
• Yuma – Desert View Academy, Juniper Tree Academy School District.

“I commend all our Blue Ribbon honorees for working to keep students healthy and safe while meeting their academic, social, emotional, and mental health needs. In the face of unprecedented circumstances, you found creative ways to engage, care for, protect, and teach our children," continues Secretary Cardona. "Blue Ribbon Schools have so much to offer and can serve as a model for other schools and communities so that we can truly build back better.”

He announced this selection of schools during his Return to School Road Trip, explaining recognition includes academic performance, as well as progress in closing achievement gaps among student subgroups:

• Exemplary High-Performing Schools are among their state’s highest performing schools as measured by state assessments or nationally normed tests.
• Exemplary Achievement Gap-Closing Schools are among their state’s highest performing schools in closing achievement gaps between a school’s student groups and all students.