Fifty-One Los Angeles Unified Schools Selected as 2024 California Distinguished Schools (02-29-24)

CONTACT:

Shannon.haber@lausd.net

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Feb. 24, 2024

Fifty-One Los Angeles Unified Schools Selected as 2024 California Distinguished Schools

Los Angeles, CA (Feb. 29, 2024) – Fifty-one Los Angeles Unified Schools have been named 2024 California Distinguished Schools, according to State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond’s recent announcement.

The prestigious designation was awarded to 293 middle schools and high schools to recognize those closing the achievement gap and those demonstrating exceptional student performance. According to Mr. Thurmond, the schools recognized are illustrative of “persistence and promise of California’s students, educators, and schools.”

“Congratulations to the 51 Los Angeles Unified schools selected as 2024 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 is the premier urban school district in the nation, led by our California Distinguished Schools.”

Since 1985, California Distinguished Schools Awards has celebrated exceptional teachers, classified employees, schools and districts for their innovation, talent and success in supporting students. Schools are selected based on assessment results, chronic absenteeism, suspension rates and socioeconomic data. Schools are selected based on their demonstrating excellence and growth in academic achievement and ensuring a positive school climate.

“We are thrilled that so many of our Los Angeles Unified schools have earned 2024 California Distinguished School awards from the California Department of Education,” Board President Jackie Goldberg said. “Congratulations to all of these schools for demonstrating hard work and academic excellence. We are particularly proud to see some of our Board District 5 schools honored this year.”

“I am proud to see many Los Angeles Unified schools make the list of California Distinguished Schools recognizing their efforts to close the achievement gap and help students improve their academic performances,” Board Vice President Scott M. Schmerelson said. “This is made possible by the efforts of the students, the dedication of their teachers, and the supportive communities that surround them every single day. I also want to give a special shoutout to my schools in Board District 3: Nobel Charter Middle School, Cleveland Charter High School, Northridge Academy High School, Holmes Middle School, Frost Middle School and Reed Middle School. Congratulations on this outstanding achievement and for making Los Angeles Unified an incredible place to be.”

“Congratulations to the 2024 California Distinguished Schools from Los Angeles Unified,” Board Member Dr. George J. McKenna III said. “I am especially proud of the continued academic achievements of LACES and GALA. The schools who have received this prestigious recognition stand a beacon for what is possible across the District.”

“We are proud of this distinction that recognizes the dedication and hard work of educators, support staff, parents and students,” Board Member Dr. Rocío Rivas said.

“We are thrilled to see so many of our middle and high schools receiving recognition from the state of California this year, including ICEF Vista Middle Academy, Portola, Taft and WISH Academy in Board District 4,” Board Member Nick Melvoin said. “Congratulations to the amazing and talented educators, students, and families in these communities of excellence.”

“Congratulations to our 2024 California Distinguished Schools, especially CCLA ArTES, Sylmar Biotech, Verdugo Hills High School and others in BD6,” Board Member Kelly Gonez said. “To all our school staff, thank you for your dedication and care in supporting students, which has led to this well-deserved recognition.”

“Congratulations to all the selected 2024 California Distinguished Schools, especially our Board District 7 schools, for being recognized for their exceptional outstanding student performance,” Board Member Tanya Ortiz Franklin said. “Thank you to all our dedicated educators and staff for preparing our scholars for success in college, career, and life!”

The full list of California Distinguished Schools can be found here: https://www.cde.ca.gov/nr/ne/yr24/yr24rel09.asp

For the most up-to-date information, please follow Los Angeles Unified on X/Twitter at @laschools and @lausdsup, Instagram at @laschools and @lausdsup and Facebook at @laschools and @AlbertoMCarvalho1.

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