Two Gilroy Schools Named among California's Best

State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson announced that Dr. T.J. Owens Gilroy Early College and Ascencion Solosano Middle School are two of the 218 public middle and high schools named California Distinguished Schools for academic achievement. 

The two Gilroy schools have "gone the extra mile to provide high-quality instruction that puts...students on the right path toward career and college," Torlakson said. 

Schools must meet certain criteria to apply for the Distinguished School designation. Schools are then chosen for the award based on their applications and on-site visits.  

Schools earning the title must then agree to "share their signature practices with other school and become a mentor to those seeking to replicate their work," according to the California Department of Education.

Each of the 218 California Distinguished Schools will be honored in May at regional award ceremonies. Twenty-one Santa Clara County schools made the list compared to just three in neighboring Santa Cruz County.