EBS Elementary among Distinguished Schools
Ellen Browning Scripps Elementary School in Scripps Ranch was selected for the California Distinguished Schools Program this year, joining a list of exemplary schools from across the state to receive the prestigious distinction.
The list of 2023 awardees was announced by State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond. The award program is celebrating its return this year after being temporarily suspended during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“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,” Thurmond said. “Their innovation and hard work have helped to ensure their students can heal, recover and thrive – even in the toughest times.”
To select California Distinguished Schools, the California Department of Education (CDE) uses data reported through the 2022 Dashboard, including assessment results, chronic absenteeism, suspension rates and socioeconomic data.
Since its inception in 1985, the California Distinguished Schools Award remains one of the important ways to celebrate exceptional schools, districts, teachers and classified employees for their innovation, talent and success in supporting students.
The exceptional elementary schools recognized this year are illustrative of the hard work, dedication and resilience shown by educators and schools across the state after communities struggled for multiple years with urgent effects to physical and mental health and unprecedented challenges to delivering education.
The California Distinguished Schools program recognizes schools for their excellent work in one of two categories: closing the achievement gap and achieving exceptional student performance. Elementary schools and middle and high schools are recognized in alternate years. Therefore, awardees hold the title for two years. Each year, two of California’s Distinguished Schools awardees are eligible to become a National Association of Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) Distinguished Schools Awardee.