12 San Ramon Valley Unified Schools Named 'California Distinguished Schools'

State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson announced that 424 California elementary schools have been selected as 2014 California Distinguished Schools, an annual award that recognizes some of the state's most exemplary public schools.

Of the 24 selected in Contra Costa County, 12 belong to the San Ramon Valley Unified School District:

  *   Bollinger Canyon Elementary School
  *   Coyote Creek Elementary School
  *   Golden View Elementary School
  *   Greenbrook Elementary School
  *   Hidden Hills Elementary School
  *   John Baldwin Elementary School
  *   Live Oak Elementary School
  *   Neil Armstrong Elementary School
  *   Rancho Romeron Elementary School
  *   Sycamore Valley Elementary School
  *   Tassajara Hills Elementary School
  *   Vista Grande Elementary School

“This is a fabulous honor for our entire school community,” said Pat Hansen, Principal at Vista Grande Elementary School. “We have an amazing staff and student body, and the support we receive from our parents and community is incredible.”

The only school district in California with more 2014 Distinguished Schools than SRVUSD is Los Angeles Unified (22 schools selected), home to 457 elementary schools. Since the program’s inception, schools in the SRVUSD have received Distinguished School honors 84 times, more than any other school district in northern California.

“We are so proud of our schools that worked very hard through this process,” said Superintendent Mary Shelton. “This is another feather in our cap, and a great example of an already high-performing district continuing to work hard on improving student academic achievement.”

The prestigious award identifies and honors those schools that have demonstrated educational excellence for all students and progress in narrowing the achievement gap.

“I applaud these strong, thriving schools that are making such impressive strides in preparing their students for continued success,” Torlakson said of the 424 schools. “This award is well-deserved by these school communities for their enduring dedication to high standards, hard work, and unwavering support.”

To apply for Distinguished School honors, schools must meet a variety of eligibility criteria, including accountability measures. Once schools are deemed eligible, the California Department of Education (CDE) invites them to apply to be recognized as a California Distinguished School. All 12 SRVUSD eligible schools received the distinction.

The process consists of a written application, which includes a comprehensive description of two of the school's signature practices, and a county-led site validation review process focused on the implementation of those signature practices.

Schools selected as California Distinguished Schools will be honored in early June during regional award ceremonies.

Elementary and secondary schools are recognized in alternate years. For more information, please go to the California Distinguished Schools Program<http://www.cde.ca.gov/ta/sr/cs/> Web page.