30 San Mateo County schools earn state's 'Distinguished' distinction Distinguished'

30 San Mateo County schools named ‘2023 Distinguished Schools’

in Community/Education

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