Why Monterey Hills Is A Distinguished School

was one of 387 public elementary schools to be named a 2012 California Distinguished School Thursday.

“Thank you to Mr. Johnson for spearheading this very prestigious event. To our students and staff for making this all possible!” Monterey Hills PTA wrote in a newsletter to the community last week.

Schools are selected for the Distinguished School Award based on their innovative education programs that encourage students to learn and help close the achievement gap, according to the CA Department of Education. 

The award focuses heavily on data, says Monterey Hills Principal Joe Johnson—including test scores, benchmarks, attendance and behavior.

So it makes sense that the school would be recognized this year with its from 2010 to 2011—for an overall score of 946.

But its not just test scores that make Monterey Hills special, its also the community support for various programs, said Johnson.

In applying for the award, all schools are asked to highlight two of its most significant practices. Johnson chose: closing the achievement gap and community support.

Monterey Hills previously received this award in 2008, but the state really encourages schools to “keep moving forward,” said Johnson.

“Looking back, I am more proud of this one because we focused on these two special practices. The people who came to evaluate saw that very clearly...,” he said of the award.

Johnson accredits much of Monterey Hills success to groups like the PTA, , and

Of the latter, Johnson says: “They bring awareness to students with special needs whether it be autism or autism with additional needs.”

Johnson—and four Monterey Hills teachers—will be accompanying administration from approximately 100 other schools in L.A. County who receieved this award in a celebration reception May 3 in the City of Industry. 

Although participation is voluntary, the CA Distinguished School award is highly sought after by schools in all areas of the state, says the CA Department of Education. Elementary and secondary schools are recognized during alternate years.

and elementary schools were named a CA Distinguished School in 2010;  in 2011; and  in 1992.