Public Schools
There is no application made to the California Department of Education.
The U.S. Department of Education (ED) contacts the nominated schools and invites them to submit an application. The application, available on the ED Web site [http://www.ed.gov/programs/nclbbrs/index.html] (Outside Source), is data-based. The application does require some narrative, but Blue Ribbon status is determined largely by student achievement.
Private Schools
The private school nomination and application process is coordinated by the Council for American Private Education [http://www.capenet.org/brs.html] (Outside Source).
