SACRAMENTO, CA – California Charter Schools Association (CCSA) today announced that 48 charter public schools have been recognized by the California Department of Education (CDE) as Distinguished Schools. The California Department of Education’s Distinguished Schools program recognizes exceptional public schools for their work in closing the achievement gap or in achieving exceptional student performance.
“Being named a California Distinguished School is a tremendous honor and a testament to the communities of public school educators, students, families, and community members who make these schools exceptional places of learning. The 48 charter public schools that were recognized have successfully leveraged their autonomy and flexibility to reimagine public education for their students,” said Myrna Castrejón, CCSA President and CEO. “The ability of these schools to weather the pandemic storm and combat the learning loss that was so prevalent in communities across the state is worthy of recognition. These schools are shining examples of why charter public school favorability is at historic levels and an important reminder of the positive impact that charters have on California’s public education system.”
The schools are selected by analyzing data reported through the California School Dashboard, including assessment results, chronic absenteeism, suspension rates, and socioeconomic data.
“California Distinguished Schools represent examples of not just excellent teaching, learning, and collaboration, but also highly successful, data-driven school efforts ranging from professional development for educators to mental health and social-emotional wellness strategies to address the needs of students and families,” said State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond in a press statement regarding the CDE Distinguished Schools for 2023.
The charter schools recognized as 2023 Distinguished Schools are:
BAY AREA
Alameda, Alameda County Office of Education
· Connecting Waters Charter - East Bay
· Yu Ming Charter
Alameda, Oakland Unified
· AIMS College Prep Elementary
San Mateo, San Carlos Elementary
· San Carlos Charter Learning Center
Santa Clara, Morgan Hill Unified
· Charter School of Morgan Hill
Santa Clara, Santa Clara County Office of Education
· Bullis Charter
Santa Cruz, Live Oak Elementary
· Tierra Pacifica Charter
NORCAL CENTRAL & CENTRAL VALLEY
Butte, Chico Unified
· Achieve Charter School of Chico
El Dorado, Buckeye Union Elementary
· Buckeye Union Mandarin Immersion Charter
Fresno, Kingsburg Elementary Charter
· Lincoln Elementary Charter
Humboldt, Arcata Elementary Union
· Street Charter
Humboldt, Fortuna Elementary
· Redwood Preparatory Charter
Humboldt, Freshwater Elementary
· Freshwater Elementary
Placer, Loomis Union Elementary
· Loomis Basin Charter
Placer, Newcastle Elementary
· Creekside Charter
Placer, Rocklin Unified
· Rocklin Academy
Placer, Rocklin Unified
· Maria Montessori Charter Academy
Sacramento, Natomas Unified
· Natomas Pacific Pathways Prep Elementary
Shasta Cottonwood Union Elementary
· Cottonwood Creek Charter
Shasta, Shasta Union High
· University Preparatory
Shasta, Whitmore Union Elementary
· Phoenix Charter Academy
Sutter, Yuba City Unified
· Twin Rivers Charter
Stanislaus, Gratton Elementary
· Gratton Charter
CENTRAL COAST
Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara Unified
· Peabody Charter
LAUSD & GREATER LA
Los Angeles, Inglewood Unified
· Wilder’s Preparatory Academy Charter
Los Angeles, Los Angeles County Office of Education
· Lashon Academy
Los Angeles, Los Angeles Unified
· Canyon Charter Elementary
· Goethe International Charter
· Granada Hills Charter
· Larchmont Charter
· Renaissance Arts Academy
· Westwood Charter Elementary
Los Angeles, Wiseburn Unified
· Da Vinci Connect
Ventura, Ventura County Office of Education
· Meadows Arts and Technology Elementary
· River Oaks Academy
Ventura, Oxnard Union High
· Camarillo Academy of Progressive Education
SOCAL
Orange, Capistrano Unified
· Oxford Preparatory Academy - South Orange County
Orange, Orange County Department of Education
· Oxford Preparatory Academy - Saddleback Valley
Orange, Orange Unified
· Orange County Classical Academy
San Bernardino, Helendale Elementary
· Excel Academy Charter
San Bernardino, Yucaipa-Calimesa Joint Unified
· Inland Leaders Charter
SAN DIEGO
San Diego, Escondido Union
· Classical Academy
San Diego, Escondido Union
· Heritage K-8 Charter
San Diego, Julian Union Elementary
· JCS - Mountain Oaks
San Diego, Mountain Empire Unified
· Elite Academic Academy - Mountain Empire
San Diego, San Diego County Office of Education
· Classical Academy Vista
San Diego, San Diego Unified
· Innovations Academy
San Diego, Warner Unified
· Excel Academy Charter
About the California Charter Schools Association
The vision of the California Charter Schools Association (CCSA) is to build great public schools of joy and rigor that prepare all California students for success in college, career, community, and life. The mission of CCSA is to meet parent, educator, and community need for great public school options by supporting and advocating for high quality non-profit charter schools and sharing their success throughout California’s public schools. Learn more.
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