Redbook List Honors 2 Local High Schools

Laguna Hills and Capistrano Valley high schools are among those nationwide to be included in Redbook magazine’s fifth annual America’s Best Schools Project.

Listed in the April issue of the magazine, which came out this week, the schools were cited for innovative programs and overall commitment to educational excellence.

“It’s pretty exciting,” Laguna Hills Principal Wayne Mickaelian said Tuesday. “It validates all the hard work everyone does on this campus.”

Laguna Hills, which has been included on the list twice before, was one of 63 public schools nationwide recognized for overall excellence, which Redbook characterized as offering students a strong mix of intellectual challenges and stimulating extracurricular activities.

Capistrano Valley was one of 20 public schools cited for classroom innovation, such as developing alternative teaching techniques that are sensitive to students’ different learning styles.

“This is great,” principal Jessica Gorman said of Capistrano Valley’s national recognition. “The whole community should be proud.”