Two Alhambra USD elementary schools named 2023 CA Distinguished Schools

Alhambra Unified School District’s Monterey Highlands and Repetto elementary schools won the prestigious 2023-2025 California Distinguished Schools Award which recognizes schools for their excellent work in one of two categories: closing the achievement gap and achieving exceptional student performance.

“This sought-after state recognition is a wonderful way to begin a new year and exemplifies what happens when our school communities of teachers, certificated and classifed employees, administrators and parents are uni ed in their e orts to support all students,” AUSD Superintendent Denise Jaramillo said.

Announced in January by California State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond, the award program is celebrating its return after the COVID-19 pandemic temporarily suspended reporting of state and local student data. Since its inception in 1985, the California Distinguished Schools Award remains one of the important ways to celebrate exceptional schools, districts, teachers, and classifed employees for their innovation, talent, and success in supporting students.

“It is my pleasure to honor and recognize these 356 elementary schools for providing outstanding public education and opportunities to students. eir innovation and hard work have helped to ensure their students can heal, recover, and thrive—even in the toughest times,” urmond said. “California Distinguished Schools represent examples of not just excellent teaching, learning, and collaboration, but also highly successful, data-driven school e orts ranging from professional development for educators to mental health and social-emotional wellness strategies to address the needs of students and families.”

Elementary schools and middle and high schools are recognized in alternate years; therefore, awardees hold the title for two years. Each year, two of California’s Distinguished Schools awardees are eligible to become a National Association of Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) Distinguished Schools Awardee.