336 California Schools Earn 2025 Distinguished Honors

State Superintendent Tony Thurmond announced that 336 California elementary schools have been honored with the 2025 California Distinguished Schools Award, recognizing efforts in closing the achievement gap and demonstrating exceptional student performance, particularly among disadvantaged student groups. This prestigious accolade celebrates schools that exhibit exemplary growth among these groups and maintain high overall achievement and positive school climates. Awardees will be celebrated at the California School Recognition Program Awards Ceremony on May 30 at the Disneyland Hotel in Anaheim. The California Distinguished Schools Award is a biennial recognition, alternating annually between elementary, middle, and high schools, and includes recognized schools from regions such as the Central Coast, Bay Area, and San Diego. The program, established in 1985, remains a crucial statewide initiative to highlight innovation and success in public education.