Los Angeles, CA (Jan. 9, 2023) – Balboa Gifted/High Ability Magnet Elementary, Canyon Charter Elementary, Goethe International Charter, Granada Hills Charter, Larchmont Charter, Richland Avenue Elementary, Renaissance Arts Academy, Science Academy STEM Magnet, and Westwood Charter Elementary have been named 2023 California Distinguished Schools, according to State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond’s recent announcement.
The prestigious designation was awarded to 350 elementary schools to celebrate exceptional schools, districts, teachers and classified employees for their innovation, talent and success in supporting students. According to Mr. Thurmond, the schools recognized are illustrative of “the hard work, dedication, and resilience shown by educators and schools across the state after communities struggled for multiple years with urgent effects to physical and mental health and unprecedented challenges to delivering education.”
“Congratulations to the nine Los Angeles Unified schools selected as 2023 California Distinguished Schools,” Superintendent Alberto M. Carvalho said. “It is because of the exceptional work of educators, staff, families and school communities that our District has some of the highest performing schools in the state. Los Angeles Unified will be the premier urban school district in the nation, led by our California Distinguished Schools.”
Since 1985, California Distinguished Schools is a crucial manner in which exceptionally performing schools are celebrated by the State of California. Schools are selected based on assessment results, chronic absenteeism, suspension rates and socioeconomic data.
“Congratulations to our nine 2023 California Distinguished Schools,” Board President Kelly Gonez said. “We know this achievement would not be possible without the hard work and dedication of school administrators, staff, teachers, and parents at each of these schools. Together, they've shown that our schools are rigorous, exciting, and innovative learning spaces for students.”
“Congratulations to all of the wonderful programs receiving this year’s California Distinguished Schools Award—including Goethe International Charter, Westwood Elementary, Larchmont Charter, Richland Avenue Elementary, and Canyon Elementary in Board District 4,” Board Vice President Nick Melvoin said. “These schools demonstrate what is possible in LA Unified—and as we celebrate their success, we must also work to replicate these achievements in every classroom across the District.”
“Congratulations to the schools that have earned the designation of being a California Distinguished School,” Board Member George McKenna said. “This achievement is a small representation of the academic excellence that exists across LAUSD.”
“I am so proud of the entire school communities of the LAUSD schools that have been named 2023 California Distinguished Schools,” Board Member Scott Schmerelson said. “This recognition makes it evident that when everyone works together to make sure our students succeed, we can reach the stars.”
“Congratulations to the selected schools for being recognized as 2023 California Distinguished Schools for providing outstanding educational opportunities to our school community,” Board Member Tanya Ortiz Franklin said. “We look forward to learning from these schools for guidance in preparing our students for college, career and life.”
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