22 San Diego County Schools Named 2024 CA Distinguished Schools

SAN DIEGO, CA — Twenty-two middle and high schools in San Diego County were recognized Thursday as 2024 California Distinguished Schools.

A total of 293 middle schools and high schools were selected for the program, which recognizes schools closing the achievement gap and schools demonstrating exceptional student performance.

"It is my pleasure to honor and recognize these 293 secondary schools for their efforts to provide exemplary public education to all students," State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond said in a statement. "Excellent middle schools and high schools play a critical role in the life outcomes of our young people."

Schools are recognized for exceptional student performance based on achieving exemplary performance in English Language Arts (ELA) and math, reducing suspensions, and demonstrating high graduation rates, according to the California Department of Education.

Schools recognized for closing the achievement gap enroll at least 40% of their students from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds and, in addition to demonstrating exemplary overall performance in ELA and math, achieve accelerated academic growth for one or more historically underserved student groups.

Elementary schools and middle and high schools are recognized in alternate years. Therefore, awardees hold the title for two years.

The 2024 California Distinguished Schools, along with the 2023 National Blue Ribbon Schools, 2023 Civic Learning Award Schools, and 2023 and 2024 California Exemplary Dual Enrollment Award Schools, will be recognized May 3 at the Disneyland Hotel in Anaheim.

"This year's California Distinguished Schools celebration provides us with an opportunity to recognize the hard work of our secondary educators and school staff who help our young adults discover passions and access college- and career-ready experiences that will propel them through life," Thurmond said.

These San Diego area schools were recognized:

• Aviara Oaks Middle, Carlsbad Unified
• Spring Valley Academy, La Mesa-Spring Valley
• El Camino High, Oceanside Unified
• Mesa Verde Middle, Poway Unified
• Oak Valley Middle, Poway Unified
• Challenger Middle, San Diego Unified
• De Portola Middle, San Diego Unified
• High Tech High, San Diego Unified
• Kearny College Connections, San Diego Unified
• Kearny Eng Innov & Design, San Diego Unified
• Kearny School of Biomedical Science and Technology, San Diego Unified
• KIPP Adelante Preparatory Academy, San Diego Unified
• Magnolia Science Academy San Diego, San Diego Unified
• Marston Middle, San Diego Unified
• Muirlands Middle, San Diego Unified
• School for Entrepreneurship and Technology, San Diego Unified
• Standley Middle, San Diego Unified
• Taft Middle, San Diego Unified
• Canyon Crest Academy, San Dieguito Union High
• Pacific Trails Middle, San Dieguito Union High
• High Tech Middle North County, SBC - High Tech High
• Vista Magnet Middle School of Technology, Science, and Math, Vista Unified