Five Glendale Unified elementary schools have been recognized as 2023 California Distinguished Schools by the California Dept. of Education: Dunsmore, Fremont, Monte Vista, Mountain Avenue and Valley View.

The California Distinguished Schools Program recognizes California elementary schools that have made exceptional gains in implementing academic content and performance standards adopted by the State Board of Education. Elementary and secondary schools are recognized in alternate years.

The program is celebrating its return after the COVID-19 pandemic temporarily suspended reporting of state and local student data. In 2022, the CDE awarded schools with the California Pivotal Practice Award for implementation of innovative practices during the pandemic. Glendale Unified and 26 GUSD schools were honored with 2022 Pivotal Practice Awards.

“To have five elementary schools recognized as California Distinguished Schools is a prestigious honor that reflects the hard work, dedication, and commitment of our entire Glendale Unified community,” said Glendale Unified Board of Education President Nayiri Nahabedian. “This achievement is a testament to the excellence of our educational programs and the positive impact our schools have on the lives of our students.”

“Our dedicated administrators, teachers, and staff maintain a relentless focus on high academic achievement while fostering a positive culture of learning and emphasizing health and wellbeing for every student,” said Glendale Unified Superintendent Dr. Vivian Ekchian. “I am so proud to celebrate this wonderful recognition with our Glendale Unified community.”