State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond has announced that 336 elementary schools have been selected for the prestigious 2025 California Distinguished Schools Program, California’s school recognition program that recognizes two categories of exceptional schools: those Closing the Achievement Gap and those demonstrating Exceptional Student Performance.

Since its inception in 1985, the California Distinguished Schools Award remains one of the state’s most important ways to celebrate exceptional schools, districts, teachers and classified employees for their innovation, talent and success in supporting students.

“It is my pleasure to honor and recognize these 336 elementary schools for their efforts to provide exemplary public education to all students. Excellent elementary schools play a critical role in the life outcomes of our young people,” Thurmond said, in a news release. “This year’s California Distinguished Schools celebration provides us with an opportunity to recognize the hard work of our elementary educators and school staff who help our students discover passions and experiences that will propel them.”

To select California Distinguished Schools, the California Department of Education uses multiple measures to identify eligible schools based on their performance on the state indicators as specified on the California School Dashboard. Specifically, schools were selected by analyzing data reported through the 2024 Dashboard, with a focus on demonstrating excellence and growth in academic achievement and ensuring a positive school climate.

The 2025 California Distinguished Schools will be recognized at the Disneyland Hotel in Anaheim on May 30. Elementary schools and middle and high schools are recognized in alternate years; therefore, awardees hold the title for two years. The list of 336 schools for 2025 is available at www.cde.ca.gov/nr/ne/yr25/yr25rel18.asp.