2 More San Ramon Schools Added To CA Distinguished Schools List

SAN RAMON, CA — Two additional San Ramon schools were named 2021 California Distinguished Schools by the state schools superintendent.

California and Dougherty Valley high schools were added Tuesday to the list, which was recently expanded to include an additional 121 schools, including 28 in the greater Bay Area. Iron Horse Middle School was among the first 102 schools to make the cut.

Stone Valley Middle School in Alamo and Monte Vista High School in Danville were also named as distinguished schools.

"The staff and students at these schools work very hard to create climates where all students feel safe and respected so they are ready to learn,” said San Ramon Valley Unified School District Superintendent John Malloy in a news release. “Student well-being is a priority and the success being realized by students is the result of collaborative efforts to provide supports and opportunities so every student can succeed at high levels.”

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.

Elementary schools and middle/high schools are honored by the state 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 previously said in a news release.

— Bay City News contributed to this report