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Seven CVUSD Elementary Schools Earn 2023 California Distinguished Schools Honors

Today, Friday, January 6, 2023, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond announced that seven CVUSD elementary schools are among the 356 elementary schools statewide to be selected for the prestigious 2023 California Distinguished Schools Program.

The CVUSD elementary schools to receive this year’s recognition are:

  • Aspen Elementary School

  • Banyan Elementary School

  • EARThS Magnet School

  • Lang Ranch Elementary School

  • Sycamore Canyon School

  • Westlake Elementary School

  • Wildwood Elementary School

The award program is celebrating its return this year after the COVID-19 pandemic temporarily suspended reporting of state and local student data. Since its inception in 1985, the California Distinguished Schools Award remains one of the important ways to celebrate exceptional schools, districts, teachers, and classified employees for their innovation, talent, and success in supporting students.

“We are incredibly proud of our seven CVUSD elementary schools who received 2023 California Distinguished Schools honors,” said Dr. Mark McLaughlin, Superintendent of Schools for the CVUSD, “These recognitions are a testament to the dedication of our school site teams who continue to innovate each and every day to provide exceptional educational experiences to our scholars.”

To select California Distinguished Schools, the California Department of Education (CDE) uses multiple measures to identify eligible schools based on their performance on the state indicators as specified on the California School Dashboard (Dashboard). Specifically, schools were selected by analyzing data reported through the 2022 Dashboard, including assessment results, chronic absenteeism, suspension rates, and socioeconomic data. Information regarding the 2022 Dashboard is provided on the CDE California School Dashboard and System of Support web page.

The California Distinguished Schools program recognizes schools for their excellent work in one of two categories: closing the achievement gap and achieving exceptional student performance. Elementary schools and middle and high schools are recognized in alternate years; therefore, awardees hold the title for two years.

The 2023 California Distinguished School Program Awards Ceremony to honor all award recipients will be held in mid-February. 

Congratulations to this year’s recipients, especially our seven CVUSD schools!

Click here to read the official press release from the California Department of Education.