25 'Distinguished Schools' Named In Santa Clara County

Twenty-five Santa Clara County schools were named California Distinguished Schools for 2014, “for their strong commitment and innovative approaches to improving student academic achievement,” said State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson on Wednesday.

For the complete list of California Distinguished Schools, visit the 2014 Distinguished Elementary Schools Web page. 

"I applaud these strong, thriving schools that are making such impressive strides in preparing their students for continued success," Torlakson adds. "This award is well-deserved by these school communities for their enduring dedication to high standards, hard work, and unwavering support." 

Campbell Union - Rosemary Elementary

Campbell Union - Village School

Cupertino Union - Blue Hills Elementary

Cupertino Union - Dilworth Elementary

Cupertino Union - Faria A+ Elementary

Cupertino Union - Garden Gate Elementary

Cupertino Union - Louis E. Stocklmeir Elementary

Cupertino Union - Montclaire Elementary 

Evergreen Elementary -James Franklin Smith Elementary

Evergreen Elementary -Tom Matsumoto Elementary

Franklin-McKinley Elementary -Cornerstone Academy Preparatory

Franklin-McKinley Elementary -Stonegate Elementary

Los Altos Elementary -Covington Elementary

Los Gatos Union Elementary -Blossom Hill Elementary

Los Gatos Union Elementary -Louise Van Meter Elementary

Milpitas Unified -John Sinnott Elementary

Moreland -George C. Payne Elementary

Mountain View Whisman - Frank L. Huff Elementary

Mountain View Whisman - Monta Loma Elementary

San Jose Unified -Los Alamitos Elementary

Santa Clara County Office of Education - Bullis Charter*

Sunnyvale - Cherry Chase Elementary

Union Elementary - Alta Vista Elementary

Union Elementary - Carlton Elementary

Union Elementary - Oster Elementary

The program recognizes elementary and secondary schools in alternating years.

Distinguished Schools must meet a variety of eligibility criteria, including designated federal and state accountability measures, and they must provide an in-depth description of two Signature Practices that their staff members believe have contributed to the success of their students. 

Following the acceptance  of their application, each school receives a site visit by a team of local educators to validate the full implementation of the Signature Practices described in the application. 

Distinguished Schools are honored at regional award ceremonies, where the state superintendent of California Public Instruction presents each school with a 2014 Distinguished School plaque and flag. The events and awards are funded by donations from many California corporations and statewide-educational organizations. 

For more information about the Distinguished School program, visit their website.