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California Distinguished Schools Program

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​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. California uses a multiple measures accountability system to identify eligible schools based on their performance and progress on the state indicators as specified on the California School Dashboard (Dashboard). Specifically, schools were selected by analyzing data reported through the 2023 Dashboard, including assessment results, chronic absenteeism, suspension rates, and socioeconomic data. Information regarding the 2023 Dashboard is provided on the CDE California School Dashboard and System of Support web page.​

This year, California recognized 293 middle schools and high schools for providing outstanding public education and opportunities to students. Elementary schools and middle and high schools are recognized in alternate years; therefore, awardees hold the title for two years. 

For more information regarding the 2024 California Distinguished Schools program please visit the 2024 California Distinguished Schools Website​ and the following articles:​


The Orange County D​epartment of Education is pleased to honor the following 38 schools as 2024 ​CA Distinguished Schools Awardees:

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​​​​​California Disti​nguished Schools​ Awardees​

Cypress HighAnaheim Union High
John F. Kennedy HighAnaheim Union High
Lexington Junior HighAnaheim Union High
Magnolia HighAnaheim Union High
Oxford AcademyAnaheim Union High
Buena Park MiddleBuena Park Elementary
Bernice Ayer MiddleCapistrano Unified
Carl Hankey MiddleCapistrano Unified
Esencia MiddleCapistrano Unified
Las Flores MiddleCapistrano Unified
Marco Forster MiddleCapistrano Unified
Niguel Hills MiddleCapistrano Unified
Masuda (Kazuo) MiddleFountain Valley Elementary
Fullerton Union HighFullerton Joint Union High
Sonora HighFullerton Joint Union High
Hilton D. Bell IntermediateGarden Grove Unified
Sarah McGarvin IntermediateGarden Grove Unified
Ethel Dwyer MiddleHuntington Beach City Elementary
Jeffrey Trail MiddleIrvine Unified
Northwood HighIrvine Unified
South Lake MiddleIrvine Unified
Venado MiddleIrvine Unified
Oak MiddleLos Alamitos Unified
Sharon Christa McAuliffe MiddleLos Alamitos Unified
Rancho-Starbuck IntermediateLowell Joint
Corona del Mar HighNewport-Mesa Unified
Estancia HighNewport-Mesa Unified
Canyon HighOrange Unified
El Rancho CharterOrange Unified
Santiago MiddleOrange Unified
Kraemer MiddlePlacentia-Yorba Linda Unified
La Paz IntermediateSaddleback Valley Unified
Mission Viejo HighSaddleback Valley Unified
Rancho Santa Margarita IntermediateSaddleback Valley Unified
Legacy Magnet AcademyTustin Unified
Pioneer MiddleTustin Unified
Tustin HighTustin Unified
Helen Stacey MiddleWestminster​