California’s State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond announced last week that Susanville’s Diamond View Middle School has been selected as one of 293 middle schools and high schools for the prestigious 2024 California Distinguished Schools Program, California’s school recognition program that recognizes two categories of exceptional schools: those closing the achievement gap and those demonstrating exceptional student performance.
This prestigious recognition celebrates Diamond View’s exceptional student performance in English Language Arts and math and their efforts in reducing suspensions.
What makes this recognition even more special, according to school officials, is that schools recognized for closing the achievement gap, like Diamond View, enroll at least 40 percent of their students from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds and demonstrate accelerated academic growth for historically underserved student groups.
Since its inception in 1985, the California Distinguished Schools Award remains one of the state’s most important ways to celebrate exceptional schools, districts, teachers, and classified employees for their innovation, talent, and success in supporting students.
The exceptional middle and high schools recognized this year are illustrative of the persistence and promise of California’s students, educators, and schools. To select California Distinguished Schools, the California Department of Education uses multiple measures to identify eligible schools based on their performance on the state indicators.
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.
“It is my pleasure to honor and recognize these 293 secondary schools for their efforts to provide exemplary public education to all students. Excellent middle schools and high schools play a critical role in the life outcomes of our young people,” Thurmond said.
“This year’s California Distinguished Schools celebration provides us with an opportunity to recognize the hard work of our secondary educators and school staff who help our young adults discover passions and access college- and career-ready experiences that will propel them through life.”
