San Diego Area Schools Named 2021 CA Distinguished Schools

SAN DIEGO COUNTY, CA — Nine schools in San Diego County were chosen as 2021 California Distinguished Schools.

The awardees were announced earlier in March. More than 100 middle and high schools were honored; elementary and secondary schools are chosen in alternating years.

"Amid the backdrop of uncertainty and hardship facing all California schools this past year, this recognition is especially remarkable," the state Department of Education said in a news release.

These are the San Diego area schools that were selected:

• Norman L. Sullivan Middle, Bonsall Unified
• Black Mountain Middle, Poway Unified
• Literacy First Charter, San Diego County Office of Education
• Challenger Middle, San Diego Unified
• Lewis Middle, San Diego Unified
• Magnolia Science Academy San Diego, San Diego Unified
• Marshall Middle, San Diego Unified
• Preuss School UCSD, San Diego Unified
• Diegueno Middle, San Dieguito Union High

Winners were chosen by the California Department of Education based on criteria including test scores, suspension rates and climate. Distinguished schools are recognized for their work in closing the achievement gap and top-notch student performance.

"These schools are great examples of California's commitment to provide outstanding public education for all students, and their data-driven efforts have helped ensure that their students leave with the tools and skills they need to be successful after graduation," said Tony Thurmond, state superintendent of public instruction.

Read more about the 2021 honorees here.

Patch editors Courtney Teague and Kristina Houck contributed to this story.