Local Elementary Campuses Named California Distinguished Schools

Three Redondo Beach public elementary schools have been recently named California Distinguished Schools.

Beryl Heights, Birney and Madison elementary schools were chosen among 484 schools statewide for their student achievement on standardized tests and an evaluation of two successful signature practices.

The state Department of Education made the announcement Monday, and an awards ceremony is scheduled on June 4 in Anaheim. 

In order to be invited to apply for Distinguished School honors, schools must meet a variety of eligibility criteria, including designated federal and state accountability measures based on No Child Left Behind (NCLB), Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP), and the Academic Performance Index (API) requirements.

Applications are reviewed for completeness by teams of educators from across the state under the direction of the Department.

"We are proud to have three Distinguished Schools," said Dr. Steven Keller, Redondo Beach Unified School District superintendent of schools. "This is truly remarkable. We applaud the staff, students, and parents of Beryl, Madison, and Birney."  

The state honors elementary and secondary schools in alternate years. Last Year, Parras Middle School was named as a Distinguished School in Redondo Beach, and Jefferson and Tulita elementary schools were honored in 2008.

Other South Bay awardees include:

Los Angeles Unified: Kentwood in Westchester

Lomita Math/Science Magnet, and Park Western Place and Seventh Street, both in San Pedro

Inglewood: Highland

Manhattan Beach: Grand View, Pacific

Palos Verdes Peninsula: Cornerstone at Pedregal, Montemalaga, Silver Spur

Torrance: Arlington, Lincoln