3 Marin schools awarded top state honors

Three Marin schools have been named California Distinguished Schools for 2024, the state Department of Education announced.

Del Mar, Kent, and Mill Valley middle schools are among 293 secondary schools to receive the honors.

The schools earned recognition for strong overall academic achievement in English and math, accelerated growth for historically underserved groups, reduced suspensions, and high graduation rates.

“The 2024 California Distinguished School Award is a testament to the tireless effort and dedication of our incredible students, staff, and parents,” Kimberly McGrath, superintendent of the Reed Union School District, said of Del Mar’s selection.

The Tiburon school, now headed by principal Chad Stuart, also received the award in 2003, 2009, and 2013.

In the Mill Valley School District, superintendent Elizabeth Kaufman said the middle school’s recognition “is a testament to the relentless dedication of our entire school community towards fostering an environment of academic excellence, growth and inclusivity.”

The school, now led by principal Danny Chui, also won the award in 1986, 1990, 1992, 2001 and 2021.

Raquel Rose, superintendent of the Kentfield School District, said Kent also won the award in 1990, 1992, and 2013.

In addition to praising the students, Rose credited the teachers, support staff, and administrative team “for their dedication and unwavering focus on supporting the academic and social development of our students.”

The school principal is Grant Althouse.

The award winners were selected through an analysis of data reported in the 2023 California School Dashboard. The dashboard is an online school accountability system that measures performance and progress in relation to state standards.

The dashboard analyses have replaced the previous method of selecting Distinguished School awardees through applications and eligibility screenings. Now, all schools are considered eligible and are evaluated equally through their dashboard measurements.

In particular, the dashboard rankings in English and math were key for the academic achievement focus, while the evidence of closing the achievement gap for socioeconomically disadvantaged students was meaningful in determining a focus on a positive school climate.

The middle schools will keep their awards for two years. During that time, they will be able to use the “distinguished school” designation on their websites, correspondence, and other communications.

In the alternate years, the awards are given to elementary schools.

An awards ceremony is scheduled for May 3.

“This year’s California Distinguished Schools celebration provides us with an opportunity to recognize the hard work of our secondary educators and school staff who help our young adults discover passions and access college- and career-ready experiences that will propel them through life,” Tony Thurmond, the state education superintendent, said in the announcement.