Jeffrey Trail Middle School, South Lake Middle School, Venado Middle School and Northwood High School have been named 2024 California Distinguished Schools. This designation is the state’s top honor for schools.
California Distinguished Schools are selected based on key indicators tied to the California School Dashboard, which is the state’s primary school accountability and improvement tool. Indicators reflect test scores, suspension rates, conditions and school climate. In total, 293 California high schools and middle schools were honored through this year’s Distinguished Schools program with 38 in Orange County.
“IUSD is proud of our students, staff and parents, who exemplify our mission to provide the highest quality educational experience we can envision," said IUSD Board of Education President Cyril Yu. "Congratulations to our schools for this prestigious designation.”
The California Distinguished Schools Program no longer requires an application. Any school that meets the eligibility criteria for the current year will be recognized as a California Distinguished School.
“This year’s California Distinguished Schools celebration provides us with an opportunity to recognize the hard work of our secondary educators and school staff who help our young adults discover passions and access college and career-ready experiences that will propel them through life,” State Superintendent Tony Thurmond said.
The 2024 California Distinguished School will be recognized in Anaheim on May 3, 2024.
For more information on the designation, please visit the CDE California Distinguished Schools Program web page.