State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond on Tuesday announced that Valencia High School and Rancho Pico Junior High School are being honored under the 2019 Distinguished Schools Program.

The state superintendent also named the William S. Hart Union High School District as an Exemplary District, one of only 18 districts honored across California. The Hart School District is the only district in Los Angeles County to be given this honor by the California Department of Education (CDE).

Sponsored by the CDE and California Casualty, the Distinguished Schools Program recognizes outstanding education programs and practices. Schools are awarded for achieving exceptional student performance for two consecutive school years or closing the achievement gap between two school years. For the district award, the state’s recognition only goes to districts that have made the greatest positive impact on student outcomes.

“I would like to commend these schools for fighting for a better future for our students, closing achievement gaps, and improving academic performance,” Thurmond said. “Thanks to teachers, administrators, classified employees, and parents working together, these schools meet the needs of all of their students, provide high-quality educational experiences, and put kids on a pathway to great careers.”

Schools that applied were eligible based on their performance and progress on the state indicators as described on the California School Dashboard. Indicators include test scores, suspension rates, and graduation rates.

“It is a real honor to be selected to represent all of Los Angeles County as an ‘Exemplary District,’” said Vicki Engbrecht, Superintendent of the Hart School District. “This achievement is the result of an outstanding team of dedicated and caring teachers, administrators, counselors and classified support staff working to implement the vision of our Governing Board. In the Hart District we believe that all students can succeed at the highest levels, feel connected in positive ways to their schools, and have the resources to become career and college ready. I am very proud of our students, our staff, and our community that supports us in this very important mission.”

All of the distinguished schools and districts will be honored in April during a ceremony at the Disneyland Hotel in Anaheim. For more information on the Distinguished School Program and California Exemplary Districts, please visit www.cde.ca.gov.