SANTA CLARITA, CA – Arroyo Seco Junior High School, part of the William S. Hart Union High School District, has been officially recognized as a 2025 California Blue Ribbon School by State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond. This prestigious honor places Arroyo Seco among the state’s highest-performing public schools for exceptional academic success.
The recognition comes as Superintendent Thurmond congratulates 31 schools across California. While the U.S. Department of Education recently ended the National Blue Ribbon Schools program, the California Blue Ribbon School distinction was established this year to ensure the rigorous achievements of these certified nominees are formally recognized by the state.
Superintendent Thurmond affirmed the dedication represented by the award, stating, “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.”
The California Blue Ribbon Schools award honors public and private schools that demonstrate either exemplary high levels of academic success or outstanding progress in closing the achievement gap. Arroyo Seco Junior High School is one of only two middle/junior high schools in Los Angeles County to receive the distinction this year.
“Arroyo Seco is truly honored to be recognized for the great things happening here,” said Principal Brian Necessary. “Our school is full of innovative staff who are deeply committed to student growth. The partnership with our amazing families is essential to all of our successes. There is so much to be proud of here at Seco.”
The Arroyo Seco community will receive formal recognition from the California Department of Education and will be celebrated at the annual California School Recognition Program celebration in the spring of 2026.