3 San Ramon Schools Named 2019 California Distinguished Schools

SAN RAMON, CA — California High, Pine Valley Middle and Windemere Ranch Middle have been selected as 2019 California Distinguished Schools, three of just 162 middle and high schools chosen for the honor, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond announced Monday. Schools are picked for achieving exceptional student performance for two consecutive school years or for closing the achievement gap between two school years.

"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 the San Ramon Valley Unified School District include:

• Los Cerros Middle

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

“I commend the students, teachers, staff and administrators at our San Ramon Valley Unified School District schools for their work in closing the achievement gap and improving academic performance,” SRVUSD Superintendent Rick Schmitt said. “At each of the schools, community works together to build positive school climates where students can personally and academically succeed. It is great to see their hard work reaffirmed with this honor.”

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.