La Reina High School Named a 2013 National Blue Ribbon School

THOUSAND OAKS, Calif., Sept. 24, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- La Reina High School in Thousand Oaks, California, was named a 2013 National Blue Ribbon School by the United States Department of Education today.  This is the most prestigious national award that a school can receive, and La Reina was one of two high schools in California to be recognized and the only school in Ventura County.

The National Blue Ribbon program honors "Exemplary High Performing Schools," using nationally normed tests.   To apply for the award, a school must perform in the top 15% of the nation in both the reading and math section of the selected exam, with at least 90% of its students taking the exam.  Junior high scores came from the IOWA Test of Basic Skills and senior high scores from the SAT. 

In addition to meeting the test requirements, La Reina completed an extensive application which summarized the school's strengths and accomplishments and demonstrated how the school community works together to promote student success. 

Founded in 1964, La Reina is a Catholic college preparatory school for young women in grades 7 through 12.  La Reina is a private, financially independent school sponsored by the Sisters of Notre Dame and governed by a Board of Trustees.

Nurturing the spiritual life of the students is central to a La Reina education.  The religion curriculum, comprehensive six-year Christian Service program, retreats, and prayer offer students many ways to grow spiritually.  Spiritual and moral values are also integrated throughout the curriculum and activities programs.

The curriculum is aligned with the admission standards to the University of California.

Recognized both nationally and locally for academic excellence, La Reina is a place where all college-bound students can thrive.  The academic program is tailored to individual needs and supports 21^st century learning.  A one-to-one iPad program was recently inaugurated, and it is providing new opportunities for student learning.

La Reina students expand their horizons through co-curricular and extra-curricular programs, and student achievement is regularly acknowledged on the local, state and national levels, particularly in journalism, science, forensics, Mock Trial and the arts.   Annually, several graduates commit to playing intercollegiate athletics.

The freedom of a single gender environment has given students unprecedented opportunities to develop into moral leaders who use their God-given talents to excel.  The success of La Reina's mission can be found in its alumnae who have distinguished themselves as Peace Corps volunteers, educators, attorneys, health care professionals, engineers, writers, artists, and business and community leaders.

Bob Rumer, La Reina's president, commented that "This Blue Ribbon award validates La Reina's tradition of educational excellence.  As an alumnae parent, I know firsthand the quality of education that La Reina consistently provides.  Watching students mature from shy seventh graders into self-confident graduates is a blessing.  We are grateful to the parents who have entrusted their daughters to us over the years, and we look forward to well-deserved celebrations of this national honor."

Further information about La Reina is available at www.lareina.com.

Contact: Sr. Lisa Megaffin
805-495-6494, ext. 382
805-402-8623

SOURCE La Reina High School