Oak and McAuliffe Middle Schools, part of the Los Alamitos Unified School District, announced their selection as 2024 California Distinguished Schools, a designation awarded to only 38 middle and high schools in Orange County, the Los Alamitos School District has announced in a press release.
They said a total of 293 middle and high schools across the state of California were awarded the prestigious designation.
The California Distinguished Schools program, overseen by the California Department of Education, acknowledges schools that excel in closing the achievement gap and delivering exceptional student performance.
The selection process relies on data from the 2023 California School Dashboard, emphasizing academic achievement and a positive school environment. Since its inception in 1985, the California Distinguished Schools Award has remained a significant way to honor exceptional schools for their innovation and success in supporting students.
“We take immense pride in the unwavering dedication and hard work exhibited by our students, teachers, staff, and community,” said Dr. Andrew Pulver, Superintendent of Los Alamitos Unified School District.
“The California Distinguished Schools designation is a testament to our ongoing commitment to excellence in education and underscores our focus on ensuring the success of every student,” Pulver said.
Both Oak and McAuliffe Middle Schools were recognized for exceptional student performance, achieved through exemplary performance in English Language Arts (ELA) and math, as well as reducing suspensions.
California Distinguished School awards are handed out alternately to elementary and secondary schools each year, the District said in the statement, allowing the recognized schools to hold the title for two years. McAuliffe and Oak will be celebrated with fellow recipients across Orange County at a ceremony at the Disneyland Hotel in Anaheim on May 3, 2024.
For more information on the distinguished schools program, visit the California Department of Education’s California Distinguished Schools webpage.
