Sonora Distinguished

Sonora School was recently recognized as a 2008 California Distinguished School ~ the state’s top honor!

Approximately 5% of the state’s public schools win the award each year. Sonora School is one of 343 elementary schools from 189 school districts in the state named as a California Distinguished School.

“These outstanding elementary schools represent many different kinds of communities, organizational structures, and student populations,” State Supt. Jack O’Connell said in a news release.

To earn the distinction, the schools had to exceed their Academic Performance Index target and meet the standard set on No Child Left Behind’s Adequate Yearly Progress Report. Qualifying schools are then invited to apply, based on the above academic requirements. Schools then submit an extensive application and host a daylong visitation by an Orange County Department of Education review team. The OCDE team visits classrooms, interviews staff, students and community members and reviews the school’s academic achievement documentation. Approximately 1/3 of the schools that apply actually receive the award.

Congratulations to the extraordinary staff, incredible students and outstanding parents for earning this highly acclaimed award.