2 More Pleasanton Schools Added To CA Distinguished Schools List

PLEASANTON, CA — Two additional Pleasanton schools were named 2021 California Distinguished Schools by the state schools superintendent.

Amador Valley and Foothill high schools were added Tuesday to the list, which was recently expanded to include an additional 121 schools, including 28 in the greater Bay Area. Harvest Park and Pleasanton middle schools were among the first 102 schools to make the cut.

"Our thanks go to the entire communities surrounding these schools, including the teachers, administrators, and classified employees as well as the students and their families who, through teamwork, all accomplished this impressive achievement together," State Superintendent Tony Thurmond said in a statement released Tuesday by the California Department of Education.

Winners were chosen by the California Department of Education based on criteria including test scores, suspension rates and climate. Distinguished schools are recognized for their work in closing the achievement gap and top-notch student performance.

Elementary schools and middle/high schools are honored by the state in alternating years.

"Amid the backdrop of uncertainty and hardship facing all California schools this past year, this recognition is especially remarkable," the state Department of Education previously said in a news release.

— Bay City News contributed to this report