Orange County has 43 campuses among the state’s 2018 California Distinguished Schools.
It is the state’s top honor for public schools; overall achievement or significant improvement in scores are used in determining the designation.
Statewide, 287 schools received the honor, which had been on a hiatus while a new accountability system was established.
Last year, 29 O.C. middle schools and high schools were named California Gold Ribbon winners, which was the replacement designation. The award is typically rotated among elementary schools and the upper grade campuses.
“Our 43 local schools were recognized because they offer innovative educational programs that have helped meet both the academic and social and emotional needs of students,” Orange County Superintendent Al Mijares said in a press release. “These campuses serve as examples of how all Orange County schools are working vigorously to prepare students for college and careers.”
Campuses named Distinguished School are called on to share their “signature practices” with other educators, the county education department said.
Here is the list of the O.C. schools awarded the title this year:
Capistrano Unified School District
- Chaparral Elementary
- Avila Elementary
- Ladera Ranch Elementary
- Oxford Prep Academy (South OC)
- Wagon Wheel Elementary
Centralia School District
- Dysinger Elementary
- Los Coyotes Elementary
Cypress School District
- Landell Elementary
Fountain Valley School District
- Courreges Elementary
- Newland Elementary
Fullerton School District
- Acacia Elementary
- Fisler Elementary
Garden Grove Unified School District
*The district was also one of 22 that received a new honor created this year, California Exemplary District
- Cook Elementary
- Warren Elementary
- Allen Elementary
- Evans Elemenary
- Faylane Elementary
- Murdy Elementary
- Zeyen Elementary
- Patton Elementary
- Rosita Elementary
- Stanford Elementary
- Paine Elementary
Irvine Unified School District
- Brywood Elementary
- Deerfield Elementary
- Plaza Vista Elementary
- Turtle Rock Elementary
Los Alamitos Unified School District
- Weaver Elementary
- Lee Elementary
- Rossmoor Elementary
Newport-Mesa Unified School District
- Newport Coast Elementary
- Sonora Elementary
Ocean View School District
- Circle View Elementary
- Star View Elementary
Orange Unified School District
- Crescent Elementary
Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District
- Glenkoll Elementary
- Golden Elementary
Santa Ana Unified School District
- El Sol Science And Arts Academy
- Thorpe Fundamental
- Muir Fundamental
Tustin Unified School District
- Orchard Hills Elementary
- Tustin Memorial Elementary
Westminster School District
- Sequoia Elementary
Source: Orange County Department of Education