HUSD School Named 'California Distinguished School'

HEALDSBURG, CA — Healdsburg Junior High was named a 2024 California Distinguished School this week.

It was one of 293 middle and high schools across the Golden State recognized with the award, the California Department of Education announced Thursday.

The only other schools in Sonoma County to receive the honor for 2024 were Brook Haven Middle in the Sebastopol Union School District and Twin Hills Charter Middle in the Twin Hills Union School District in Sebastopol.

The CDE selected the schools based on their performance on criteria indicated on the 2023 Dashboard, which includes academic excellence, ensuring a positive school climate, and closing the academic achievement gap.

The 2024 California Distinguished Schools will hold the title for two years because the state recognizes middle and high schools every other year. Next year, elementary schools have the chance to be recognized with designation.

"It is my pleasure to honor and recognize these 293 secondary schools for their efforts to provide exemplary public education to all students," Tony Thurmond, state superintendent of schools, said Thursday in a statement. "Excellent middle schools and high schools play a critical role in the life outcomes of our young people."

According to Thurmond, this year's California Distinguished Schools celebration provides the "opportunity to recognize the hard work of secondary educators and school staff who help our young adults young adults discover passions and access college- and career-ready experiences that will propel them through life."

In May, the 2024 California Distinguished Schools will be honored at the Disneyland Hotel in Anaheim alongside the 2023 National Blue Ribbon Schools, the 2023 Civic Learning Award Schools, and the 2023 and 2024 California Exemplary Dual Enrollment Award Schools.

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