2 NVUSD Schools Earn 'California Distinguished School' Award

NAPA, CA — Two schools in the Napa Valley Unified School District were honored this week with the 2024 "California Distinguished School" award.

New Technology High School and Vintage High School were among 293 middle and high schools across the state to earn the honor, the California Department of Education announced Thursday.

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 schools will hold the California Distinguished School 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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