A total of 336 elementary schools across California have earned the prestigious 2025 California Distinguished Schools Award, according to an announcement by State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond on Tuesday. This annual recognition highlights public schools that demonstrate excellence in closing the achievement gap and achieving outstanding student performance.
“It is my pleasure to honor and recognize these 336 elementary schools for their efforts to provide exemplary public education to all students,” said Thurmond. “Excellent elementary schools play a critical role in shaping the future of our young learners. This celebration allows us to commend the dedication of educators and staff who create opportunities for students to thrive.”
Bay Area Schools Honored
The Bay Area had a strong presence on the 2025 California Distinguished Schools list, with multiple schools recognized across various counties.
San Francisco County:
- Key (Francis Scott) Elementary – San Francisco Unified
- Chinese Immersion School at DeAvila – San Francisco Unified
- Sunset Elementary – San Francisco Unified
- Chin (John Yehall) Elementary – San Francisco Unified
Alameda County:
- Independent Elementary – Castro Valley Unified
- Harold William Kolb – Dublin Unified
- John G. Mattos Elementary – Fremont Unified
- Lawrence Elementary – Livermore Valley Joint Unified
- Pioneer Elementary – New Haven Unified
- Lincoln Elementary – Oakland Unified
- Crocker Highlands Elementary – Oakland Unified
- Peralta Elementary – Oakland Unified
- Bay Farm – Alameda Unified
- Love Elementary – Alameda Unified
- Ocean View Elementary – Albany City Unified
- John Muir Elementary – Berkeley Unified
- Palomares Elementary – Castro Valley Unified
San Mateo County:
- Central Elementary – Belmont-Redwood Shores Elementary
- Brisbane Elementary – Brisbane Elementary
- Hoover Elementary – Burlingame Elementary
- Roosevelt Elementary – Burlingame Elementary
- North Hillsborough – Hillsborough City Elementary
- West Hillsborough – Hillsborough City Elementary
- South Hillsborough – Hillsborough City Elementary
- Monticello Elementary – Jefferson Elementary
- Meadows Elementary – Millbrae Elementary
- Brittan Acres Elementary – San Carlos Elementary
- Mariposa – San Carlos Elementary
- North Star Academy – Redwood City Elementary
Santa Clara County:
- Capri Elementary – Campbell Union
- Forest Hill Elementary – Campbell Union
- Murdock-Portal Elementary – Cupertino Union
- Chester W. Nimitz Elementary – Cupertino Union
- Daves Avenue Elementary – Los Gatos Union Elementary
- Lexington Elementary – Los Gatos Union Elementary
- Los Alamitos Elementary – San Jose Unified
- Rocketship Fuerza Community Prep – Santa Clara County Office of Education
- Washington Open Elementary – Santa Clara Unified
- Cherry Chase Elementary – Sunnyvale
Contra Costa County:
- Happy Valley Elementary – Lafayette Elementary
- Los Perales Elementary – Moraga Elementary
- West County Mandarin – West Contra Costa Unified
- Donald L. Rheem Elementary – Moraga Elementary
- John Baldwin Elementary – San Ramon Valley Unified
- Greenbrook Elementary – San Ramon Valley Unified
- Neil A. Armstrong Elementary – San Ramon Valley Unified
- Creekside Elementary – San Ramon Valley Unified
Marin County:
- Pleasant Valley Elementary – Novato Unified
- San Ramon Elementary – Novato Unified
- Loma Verde Elementary – Novato Unified
- Brookside Elementary – Ross Valley Elementary
- Hidden Valley Elementary – Ross Valley Elementary
Sonoma County:
- Roseland Elementary – Roseland
- West Side Elementary – West Side Union Elementary
- Mill School and Technology Academy – Whittier City
Napa County:
- Donaldson Way Elementary – Napa Valley Unified
Santa Cruz County:
- De Laveaga Elementary – Santa Cruz City Elementary
The California Distinguished Schools Program has been celebrating outstanding public schools since its inception in 1985. Schools receiving this honor serve as models of excellence in education and demonstrate innovative approaches to teaching that benefit student success. Congratulations to all the schools and educators recognized this year!