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.

Each year it identifies and honors some of the state's most exemplary and inspiring public schools. Elementary and secondary schools are recognized during alternate years. Elementary schools will be honored in this cycle.

The state program is coordinated with the U.S. Department of Education's National Blue Ribbon Schools Program which will honor middle and high schools this year. Although participation in both recognition programs is voluntary, competition for these awards is highly sought after by schools in all areas of the state. Approximately five percent of California's public schools are selected each year, and no less than 40 counties are typically represented.

In order to be eligible, schools must achieve an Academic Performance Index (API) in the upper half of the statewide distribution, meet the growth targets of the Governor's Performance Awards (GPA) if the API is less than 800, and test the percentage of students required for the GPA. To be selected for recognition, schools participate in a rigorously competitive selection process conducted by the California Department of Education (CDE) in a collaborative partnership with the county superintendents of schools (CCSESA). 

The application process provides a framework of research-based criteria that all schools can use to assess themselves and plan changes. The self-assessment requires the involvement of the entire school community in a common school improvement project. The criteria for school selection are designed to reflect the consensus of the education community regarding quality education by incorporating the major themes of state and national policies and research related to effective schools. The criteria focus on all areas of the school's educational program so that those selected are strong, well-rounded community schools. Overall criteria include:

• High academic expectations set for all students, and implementation of state-adopted content and performance standards
• Visionary and collaborative leadership
• Varied teaching strategies that provide challenging learning experiences for all students
• A strong curriculum in all required subject areas and rigorous high school graduation requirements
• Appropriate technology and strong library media services that support learning activities
• Academically competent and caring teachers and comprehensive professional development that reflects the California Standards for the Teaching Profession
• Comprehensive guidance and counseling programs at all grade levels
• Multiple learning support services for students who are learning the English language, who are at risk, or who have physical or learning disabilities
• Support for student learning through family involvement and partnerships with business and community groups
• A safe school culture that supports inclusion of all students and promotes positive character traits such as caring, citizenship, fairness, respect, responsibility, and trustworthiness
• Programs that foster wellness and healthy behaviors and a well-maintained learning environment that communicates the importance of education in our society

Updated: April 26, 2006