SACRAMENTO, Calif., December 18, 2019 – Thirty-nine elementary schools in Los Angeles Unified were named California Distinguished Schools, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond announced today.
The schools (listed below) are among 323 in the state being honored for having outstanding education programs and practices, closing the achievement gap and for achieving exceptional student performance all around.
“I am delighted to see the state recognize the progress being made at so many of our schools where extraordinary things are happening,” Superintendent Austin Beutner said. “We are grateful for the hard work of the administrators, educators and staff for helping our students get a great education.”
The 39 elementary schools are distributed across all six local districts and all seven board districts. Three are independent charter schools.
“I am so proud of our students, our teachers, our staff and our schools that made this achievement happen,” Board President Dr. Richard Vladovic said. “This is a fantastic honor. They have been awarded as the finest schools in the state of California. We continue to prove that we have amazing potential and talent in our District.”
“We are thrilled that schools across Los Angeles Unified – and particularly in Board District 5 – made such a strong showing on this year’s list of Distinguished Schools,” Board Vice President Jackie Goldberg said. “This is a testament to what happens when we value and support our educators and provide what they need to lead our students to success.”
“Congratulations to Baldwin Hills Elementary in Board District 1 and all the schools in our District for making great progress in closing the achievement gap,” Board Member Dr. George J. McKenna III said. “Helping our students achieve is at the core of everything we do, and we are grateful to have so many fine educators at many of our schools doing such extraordinary work every day.”
“Super proud of every single school receiving this recognition from the state today,” Board Member Mónica García said. “Our teachers, staff and parents work together to provide the best environment for our children to succeed. Thank you for your hard work, dedication and excellence!”
“I am very proud of the achievement of all our neighborhood elementary schools and especially the schools being recognized as California Distinguished Schools,” Board Member Scott M. Schmerelson said. “I commend the dedication and hard work of our students, teachers, staff and administrators who work tirelessly to close the achievement gap and provide the best quality education for students across the District. Congratulations to all!”
“Congratulations to all the schools recognized for their great work improving student outcomes for our kids,” Board Member Nick Melvoin said. “We will continue working to replicate success and expand access to outstanding programs so that every student has the opportunity to succeed in Los Angeles Unified.”
“Congratulations to this year’s California Distinguished Schools,” Board Member Kelly Gonez said. “I’m so proud of the excellent educational programs we have here in Los Angeles Unified, especially at Mountain View Elementary, San Jose St. Elementary, and Vena Ave. Elementary in Board District 6. Thank you to all the educators, parents, and students for their hard work that led to this impressive recognition!”
A component of the California School Recognition Program, the Distinguished Schools program, recognizes schools based on performance and progress on the state indicators as specified on the California School Dashboard. Indicators include test scores, suspension rates, and conditions and climate.
Elementary schools and middle and high schools are recognized in alternate years; therefore, awardees hold the title for two years.
Every year, two of California’s Distinguished Schools Awardees are also eligible to be recognized as a National Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) Distinguished Schools Awardee.
Information about California’s National ESEA Distinguished Schools can be found https://www.cde.ca.gov/ta/sr/ns/.
List of 2019 California Distinguished Elementary Schools
- Andasol Avenue Elementary
- Balboa Gifted/High Ability Magnet Elementary
- Baldwin Hills Elementary
- Beckford Charter for Enriched Studies
- Bryson Avenue Elementary
- Carson Street Elementary
- Catskill Avenue Elementary
- Chapman Elementary
- Charles H. Kim Elementary
- Cheremoya Avenue Elementary
- Dr. Sammy Lee Medical and Health Science Magnet Elementary
- Halldale Elementary
- Harry Bridges Span
- Haskell Elementary Science Technology Engineering Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) Magnet
- Hesby Oaks Leadership Charter
- Hoover Street Elementary
- ICEF Vista Elementary Academy
- John B. Monlux Elementary
- Kester Avenue Elementary
- Libertas College Preparatory Charter
- Lomita Math/Science/Technology Magnet
- Los Feliz Science/Tech/Engineer/Math/Medicine Magnet
- Melrose Avenue Elementary
- Mountain View Elementary
- One Hundred Fifty-Sixth Street Elementary
- Park Western Place Elementary
- Point Fermin Elementary
- Richland Avenue Elementary
- Robert Hill Lane Elementary
- Rockdale Visual & Performing Arts Magnet
- San Jose Street Elementary
- Solano Avenue Elementary
- Superior Street Elementary
- Synergy Charter Academy
- Topeka Charter School for Advanced Studies
- Vena Avenue Elementary
- Vintage Math/Science/Technology Magnet
- Welby Way Charter Elementary School and Gifted-High Ability Magnet
- Yorkdale Elementary
