The California Department of Education honored two schools in the West Contra Costa Unified School District (WCCUSD) and 28 in Contra Costa County with the 2023 California Distinguished Schools award.
Kensington Elementary in Kensington and Madera Elementary in El Cerrito both earned the designation, which recognizes schools for high performance in one of two categories: closing the achievement gap and achieving exceptional student performance, according to the Contra Costa County Office of Education. Performance indicators include assessment results, chronic absenteeism, suspension rates, and socioeconomic data, the County’s DOE states.
Elementary schools and middle/high schools are recognized in alternate years.
CCC Superintendent of Schools Lynn Mackey congratulated principals, staff and families at the 28 County schools that earned this honor.
“Over the last three years, educators and support staff have overcome hurdles that no one could foresee,” Mackey said. “I commend all of you for your diligence and commitment to scholars in Contra Costa County.”
The list of 28 recognized schools follows:
- Canyon Elementary, Canyon Elementary
- Lafayette Elementary, Happy Valley Elementary
- Lafayette Elementary, Burton Valley Elementary
- Lafayette Elementary, Lafayette Elementary
- Moraga Elementary, Los Perales Elementary
- Moraga Elementary, Donald L. Rheem Elementary
- Moraga Elementary, Camino Pablo Elementary
- Diablo Unified, Sequoia Elementary
- Diablo Unified, Walnut Acres Elementary
- Diablo Unified, Bancroft Elementary
- Orinda Union Elementary, Del Rey Elementary
- Orinda Union Elementary, Glorietta Elementary
- Orinda Union Elementary, Sleepy Hollow Elementary
- Orinda Union Elementary, Wagner Ranch Elementary
- San Ramon Valley Unified, Vista Grande Elementary
- San Ramon Valley Unified, Neil A. Armstrong Elementary
- San Ramon Valley Unified, Alamo Elementary
- San Ramon Valley Unified, Greenbrook Elementary
- San Ramon Valley Unified, Live Oak Elementary
- San Ramon Valley Unified, Hidden Hills Elementary
- San Ramon Valley Unified, Sycamore Valley Elementary
- San Ramon Valley Unified, John Baldwin Elementary
- San Ramon Valley Unified, Walt Disney Elementary
- Walnut Creek Elementary, Buena Vista Elementary
- Walnut Creek Elementary, Parkmead Elementary
- Walnut Creek Elementary, Tice Creek
- West Contra Costa Unified, Kensington Elementary
- West Contra Costa Unified, Madera Elementary
