The California Department of Education honored 30 schools in San Mateo County with the 2023 California Distinguished Schools award. See a list of those schools at the end of this story.
The San Mateo County honorees are among 356 elementary schools statewide earning the distinction. The Distinguished Schools program recognizes schools for accomplishments in two categories: closing the achievement gap and achieving exceptional student performance. Performance indicators include assessment results, chronic absenteeism, suspension rates and socioeconomic data. The program recognizes elementary schools and middle/high schools in alternate years.
The innovation and hard work of this year’s class of Distinguished Schools “helped ensure their students can heal, recover, and thrive — even in the toughest times,” according to State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond.
“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.
Top photo of Arroyo Elementary School courtesy of the San Carlos Elementary School District
San Mateo County’s 2023 Distinguished Schools:
Belmont-Redwood Shores Elementary School District, Central Elementary
Belmont-Redwood Shores Elementary School District, Fox Elementary
Belmont-Redwood Shores Elementary School District, Redwood Shores Elementary
Burlingame Elementary, Lincoln Elementary
Burlingame Elementary, Franklin Elementary
Burlingame Elementary, Hoover Elementary
Burlingame Elementary, Washington Elementary
Hillsborough City Elementary, South Hillsborough
Hillsborough City Elementary, West Hillsborough
Hillsborough City Elementary, North Hillsborough
Jefferson Elementary, Marjorie H. Tobias Elementary
Jefferson Elementary, California Virtual Academy San Mateo
Las Lomitas Elementary, Las Lomitas Elementary
Menlo Park City Elementary School District, Encinal Elementary
Menlo Park City Elementary School District, Laurel Elementary
Menlo Park City Elementary School District, Oak Knoll Elementary
Millbrae Elementary School District, Spring Valley Elementary
Portola Valley Elementary School District, Ormondale Elementary
Redwood City Elementary School District, North Star Academy
San Carlos Elementary School District, Arundel Elementary
San Carlos Elementary School District, White Oaks Elementary
San Carlos Elementary School District, Mariposa Elementary
San Carlos Elementary School District, Arroyo Elementary
San Carlos Elementary School District, Heather Elementary
San Carlos Elementary School District, San Carlos Charter Learning Center
San Carlos Elementary School District, Brittan Acres Elementary
San Mateo-Foster City School District, College Park Elementary
San Mateo-Foster City School District, North Shoreview Montessori
South San Francisco United School District, Monte Verde Elementary
South San Francisco United School District, Buri Elementary
