Union Street Charter Named 2025 California Blue Ribbon School

Press release from the Humboldt County Office of Education:

USC Pastels on Plaza

State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond announced that Union Street Charter School was awarded the distinction of 2025 California Blue Ribbon School. Union Street Charter School Principal/Director, Rea Erickson was thrilled with the news. “We are very honored but also proud of the collaboration between students, parents and staff to accomplish increased outcomes for all students,” said Erickson.  

“I love our school so much. Incredibly grateful every day that I get to be at such a loving and safe place,” said third grade teacher Violet Ray upon the announcement of the award.  Former Director John Schmidt said, “What a wonderful accomplishment for you, the teachers, and the rest of the staff!”

From their application, Union Street Charter (USC) is a unique K-5 school that balances arts and academics in a community atmosphere. USC has been recognized as a California Distinguished School. We believe we are high performing because we attract highly qualified, dedicated and enthusiastic teachers, as well as invested parents and students. Union Street Charter is a highly sought after school because of small class size (17 students), parent involvement, engaging academic content, and twice weekly instruction in Spanish, art and music. 

USC has a rich and diverse curriculum. The teachers and principal collaboratively choose an engaging research-based curriculum. Teachers pull from a variety of resources for instruction including literature, local professionals, indigenous people, and research proven curriculum that inspires students.

As an Exemplary Arts School, we strive to instill a life-long appreciation of the arts and the creative human spirit. In an encouraging environment, the arts build self-confidence, improve communication skills, active engagement, mutual respect and positive group dynamics. Other programs that exemplify this school’s uniqueness include sustainability, global education and class camping trips.

Student success at USC is based on academic growth, a well-developed sense of self-worth, and a willingness to accept challenges. An education at Union Street Charter is special and foundational for life. Our ultimate aim is to turn a child’s natural curiosity and desire to explore into a lifelong love of learning. We value the trust that families place in us, as we guide students toward a deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them.

From Superintendent Thurmond’s News Release on October 23, 2025,

“Thurmond recognized 31 California schools that have been nominated as National Blue Ribbon Schools (NBRS) for 2025 and, following the U.S. Department of Education’s elimination of the NBRS program, are being awarded the distinction of 2025 California Blue Ribbon Schools.  

 This prestigious award honors public and private elementary, middle, and high schools that close achievement and opportunity gaps, as well schools where students demonstrate especially high levels of academic success. ‘It’s my pleasure to congratulate these school communities on their hard work to earn recognition as 2025 California Blue Ribbon Schools,’ Superintendent Thurmond said. ‘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.’ 

 Schools are recognized based on overall academic performance or progress in closing opportunity gaps among student subgroups. Blue Ribbon schools are among the state’s highest performing based on all students’ scores, subgroups’ scores, and graduation rates.” 

For more information regarding the California School Recognition Program visit the California Department of Education website https://www.cde.ca.gov/ta/sr/cs/csrp.asp 

For more information about Union Street Charter School visit their website https://unionstreetcharter.org/ or call 707-822-4845