2 SLO County elementary schools earn state recognition. Did yours make the cut?
Two San Luis Obispo County elementary schools received top awards from the California Department of Education on Tuesday.
Pacheco Elementary in San Luis Obispo and Monarch Grove Elementary in Los Osos were both selected for the California Distinguished Schools Award, which annually honors schools that have shown academic excellence or are bridging gaps in academic achievement, according to a news release from the state department.
The two schools — both in the San Luis Coastal Unified School District — were among over 330 schools recognized statewide.
“It is my pleasure to honor and recognize these 336 elementary schools for their efforts to provide exemplary public education to all students,” state superintendent Tony Thurmond said in the release. “Excellent elementary schools play a critical role in the life outcomes of our young people.”
Pacheco and Monarch Grove were selected based on data from the California School Dashboard, which houses test scores and data on academics and culture for schools around the state, the release said.
Selected schools either exhibited significant academic growth among student groups that have historically seen achievement gaps, or showed strong academic achievement paired with evidence of student engagement and a good school culture, according to the release. All schools must have shown general academic success.
Pacheco and Monarch Grove will hold the distinguished school title for two years, according to the department.
Selected schools will be honored in a ceremony at the Disneyland Hotel on May 30, the release said.
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