In a significant achievement for the education sector in San Diego County, 23 schools have been selected for the prestigious 2024 California Distinguished Schools Program. These schools have been recognized for their exemplary achievements by officials from the California Department of Education (CDE), showcasing remarkable performance and progress.

Eligibility Criteria

The CDE employs a comprehensive multiple measures accountability system to determine the eligibility of schools for this recognition. Performance metrics are evaluated through the California School Dashboard, a tool designed to assess school strengths and areas requiring improvement. Schools are selected based on their excellence and growth in academic achievement, as well as their efforts in fostering a positive school climate.

Closing the Achievement Gap

A noteworthy criterion for recognition is the school’s success in closing the achievement gap. Schools recognized under this category enroll a significant portion of students from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds and demonstrate accelerated academic growth among historically underserved student groups.

Rotation System

The recognition cycle alternates between elementary schools, middle schools, and high schools, with awardees holding the distinguished title for two years.

Local Schools Recognized

Among the 23 distinguished schools in San Diego County are:

• Aviara Oaks Middle, Carlsbad Unified
• Spring Valley Academy, La Mesa-Spring Valley
• El Camino High, Oceanside Unified
• Mesa Verde Middle, Poway Unified
• Oak Valley Middle, Poway Unified
• Challenger Middle, San Diego Unified
• De Portola Middle, San Diego Unified
• High Tech High, San Diego Unified
• Kearny College Connections, San Diego Unified
• Kearny Eng Innov & Design, San Diego Unified
• Kearny School of Biomedical Science and Technology, San Diego Unified
• KIPP Adelante Preparatory Academy, San Diego Unified
• Magnolia Science Academy San Diego, San Diego Unified
• Marston Middle, San Diego Unified
• Muirlands Middle, San Diego Unified
• School for Entrepreneurship and Technology, San Diego Unified
• Standley Middle, San Diego Unified
• Taft Middle, San Diego Unified
• Canyon Crest Academy, San Dieguito Union High
• Pacific Trails Middle, San Dieguito Union High
• High Tech Middle North County, SBC – High Tech High
• Vista Magnet Middle School of Technology, Science, and Math, Vista Unified

Words from San Diego County Superintendent

Dr. Paul Gothold, the San Diego County Superintendent of Schools, emphasized the importance of setting high expectations for students. He highlighted the role of belief systems in fostering success and commended the recognized schools for providing academic guidance and social-emotional support, thereby eliminating barriers to student achievement.

These distinguished schools serve as beacons of educational excellence, ensuring that students have the necessary resources to thrive both academically and personally. Through their dedication and commitment, they contribute significantly to the overall advancement of education in San Diego County.

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