Public Schools
There is no application made to the California Department of Education.
The United States Department of Education (USDE) contacts the nominated schools (see Eligibility and Nomination for details on schools considered for nomination) and invites them to submit an application. The application, available on the USDE Web site (Outside Source), is heavily 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 (Outside Source).
