PLEASANT HILL, CALIF. – Seven schools in Contra Costa County have been named
2024 California Distinguished Schools, State Superintendent of Public instruction Tony Thurmond announced this week.
Acalanes and Miramonte high schools in the Acalanes Union High School District, M.H. Stanley Middle School in the Lafayette Elementary School, Martinez Junior High School in the Martinez Unified School District, Diablo View Middle School in the Mt. Diablo Unified School District, Pine Valley Middle School in the San Ramon Valley Unified School District, and Middle College High School in the West Contra Costa Unified School District are among 293 middle schools and high schools throughout the state selected for the prestigious award.
“Congratulations to the students, teachers and staff at each of these schools,” Contra Costa County Superintendent of Schools Lynn Mackey said. “These exceptional schools are examples of the excellent public education available to students in our county and should be celebrated for their innovation, talent and success in supporting students.”
To select California Distinguished Schools, the California Department of Education (CDE) uses multiple measures to identify eligible schools based on their performance on the state indicators as specified on the California School Dashboard (Dashboard).
Specifically, schools were selected by analyzing data reported through the 2023 Dashboard, with a focus on demonstrating excellence and growth in academic achievement and ensuring a positive school climate.
Schools are recognized for exceptional student performance based on achieving exemplary performance in English Language Arts (ELA) and math, reducing suspensions, and demonstrating high graduation rates (high schools only).
Schools recognized for closing the achievement gap enroll at least 40 percent of their students from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds and, in addition to demonstrating exemplary overall performance in ELA and math, achieve accelerated academic growth for one or more historically underserved student groups.
Elementary schools and middle and high schools are recognized in alternate years; therefore, awardees hold the title for two years. For more information, please visit the
CDE California Distinguished Schools Program web page.
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About Contra Costa County Office of Education
One of 58 counties in California, Contra Costa County (CCCOE) has the 11th largest public-school student population in the state (approximately 169,225 students). Officially established in 1932, CCCOE has a long history of providing direct services to some of our county's most vulnerable students, including young people who are incarcerated, homeless, or in foster care, as well as students who have severe physical or emotional challenges.
CCCOE also provides support services to schools and school districts in Contra Costa County; services that can be handled most effectively and economically on a regional basis rather than by each of the county's 286 schools or 18 school districts. These services range from budget approval and fiscal support to technology infrastructure, communication support, and high-level professional development opportunities for educators. CCCOE maintains a website at www.cocoschools.org.