Northwood and University high schools have been named 2021 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, 223 California high schools and middle schools were honored through this year’s Distinguished Schools program with 21 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 Paul Bokota. "Congratulations to Northwood and University high schools for this prestigious designation.”
Due to the pandemic and this unprecedented year, the California Department of Education did not require campuses to submit applications to be considered this year. Instead, honorees were chosen based on their performance data.
State Superintendent Tony Thurmond announced Tuesday that after reviewing this data, an additional 121 schools across the state would earn this designation, which was initially awarded to 102 middle and high schools on March 18. Northwood and University high schools were two of the additional 10 schools added in Orange County.
“These additional high schools join the ranks of all 2021 California Distinguished Schools who are being recognized for this distinction because of their exceptional record to provide for all students and their commitment to data-driven efforts that prepare students for college and career,” Thurmond said.