, and earned a feather for their caps Thursday, after the California Department of Education named them Distinguished Schools for 2012.
The award is given on alternate years to "exemplary and inspiring" elementary and secondary schools across the state's large public education system.
“The schools we are recognizing today demonstrate the incredible commitment of California's teachers, administrators, and school employees to provide a world-class education to every student, in spite of the financial hardships facing our state and our schools," State Superintendent Tom Torlakson said in a public statement. "Their dedication is inspiring, and I applaud and admire their passion and persistence."”
Schools were selected for the award based on a combination of Academic Performance Index (API) scores and on tests of whether they had narrowed the achievement gap that exists between students from different income and ethnic groups across the state.
