2012 Program Information

The California School Recognition Program was created in 1985 to communicate and reinforce the priorities of the State Board of Education and the State Superintendent of Public Instruction.

Overview of the California Distinguished Schools Program for 2012

In California, there currently exists an “achievement gap” among student subgroups that threatens their future and the future of California. Access to high-quality educational experiences should be the right of every student in California and it is the responsibility of the schools, districts, county offices of education, and the California Department of Education (CDE) to work together toward that end. The CDE has made closing the achievement gap a top priority and strongly believes that making schools work for all students, regardless of their background, condition, or circumstances, is an imperative for a strong education system and a strong California.

The 2011 directly focuses on California’s students and their entitlement to an equitable and rigorous education. Under the 2011, the California Distinguished School Award identifies and honors those schools that have demonstrated educational excellence for all students and progress in narrowing the achievement gap.

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 Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP), and the Academic Performance Index (API) requirements.

Elementary and secondary (middle and high) schools are recognized during alternate years. For the 2011 cycle, eligible middle and high schools are invited to participate. The criteria for school selection are based on the submission of an application, including a comprehensive description of two of the school’s successful signature practices, and an application review.

Applications are reviewed for completeness by teams of educators from across the state under the direction of the CDE. Applications deemed complete will move forward in the process. Each school receives a site visit by a team of educators to validate the full implementation of the submitted practices. The site visits are conducted as a collaborative effort between the CDE and county superintendents of schools.


Schools selected for recognition are honored as Distinguished Schools at an awards ceremony where the SSPI presents each school with a 2011 Distinguished School plaque and flag. The event and awards are funded by donations from many of California’s most prominent corporations and statewide educational organizations.

Updated: March 29, 2012