4 Fremont Schools Named 2019 California Distinguished Schools

FREMONT, CA —Four schools in Fremont have been selected as 2019 California Distinguished Schools, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond announced Monday. The Fremont schools selected for the honor include American High, John F. Kennedy High, Mission San Jose High, and William Hopkins Junior High.

In addition, Fremont Unified School District was selected as a 2019 California Exemplary District, one of just two districts in the entire Bay Area that were chosen. The other is San Francisco Unified.

Schools are picked for achieving exceptional student performance for two consecutive school years or for closing the achievement gap between two school years. Only 162 middle and high schools across the state were chosen for the honor.

"I would like to commend these schools for fighting for a better future for our students, closing achievement gaps, and improving academic performance," Thurmond said. "Thanks to teachers, administrators, classified employees, and parents working together, these schools meet the needs of all of their students, provide high-quality educational experiences, and put kids on a pathway to great careers."

Other schools honored in Alameda County include:

• Alameda Science and Technology Institute, Alameda
• Dublin High, Dublin
• Eleanor Murray Fallon, Dublin
• Livermore High, Livermore
• Claremont Middle, Oakland
• Piedmont Middle, Piedmont
• Foothill High, Pleasanton
• KIPP King Collegiate High, San Lorenzo
• KIPP Summit Academy, San Lorenzo

Criteria includes test scores, suspension rates, and graduation rates.

The Distinguished Schools program alternates between recognizing elementary schools, and middle and high schools. Eligible schools may apply once every two years. Schools recognized as awardees hold the title for two years.

As California transitioned to a new assessment and accountability system, the state paused its Distinguished Schools program. From 2015 to 2017, schools that demonstrated exemplary achievements were named California Gold Ribbon Schools.
The 2019 Distinguished Schools Program is sponsored by the California Department of Education and California Casualty.

(Get Patch real-time email alerts for the latest news from your California neighborhood. Also, download the free Patch iPhone app or free Patch Android app. Also, be sure to follow your local Patch on Facebook!) Also See:

• 10 Calif. Restaurants Earn AAA 5-Diamond Rating
• Dusk Over San Francisco: Photo Of The Day
• Alameda Girl Desperately Needs Bone Marrow Transplant