4 VALLEY SCHOOLS GET 'BLUE RIBBON' AWARD.

Byline: Mary Beth Alexander Daily News Staff Writer

The U.S. Department of Education has awarded four San Fernando Valley-area schools "blue ribbon" status for teaching excellence and student achievement.

Honored were three private institutions, Notre Dame High School in Sherman Oaks, Louisville High School in Woodland Hills and Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy in La Canada Flintridge; and Medea Creek Middle School in Agoura, of the Oak Park Unified School District.

Charles Blackstock Junior High School in Oxnard also received the designation.

The schools were among 266 public and private secondary institutions to receive the "blue ribbon" recognition, officials said. They were among more than 480 nationwide that applied for the designation.

"It is an enormous honor, and we are ecstatic," said Charlene Feeney, a vice principal at Notre Dame High School.

The schools are chosen for their challenging curriculum, disciplined environment, community leadership, teaching and low dropout rates, federal officials said.

To be selected, each school submitted a self-evaluation and a written application. The finalists were visited then recommended by a review panel.

U.S. Department of Education representative Charles Tooker said the Blue Ribbon designation gives the schools wide recognition, and can be a factor when they compete for grant funding.

"Recognition itself is a powerful energizer," Tooker said.

Representatives from each of the three schools will travel to Washington, D.C., in spring to accept their honors.