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Just as Long Beach’s highest educational institution, Cal State Long Beach, was recognized as one of the best in the nation, Long Beach’s K-12 system, Long Beach Unified School District, had three schools recognized as Distinguished schools.

LBUSD’s Alvarado, Lowell and Naples elementary schools—all repeat winners—shared the honor. The three schools—among 424 schools recognized statewide, all of which receive federal Title 1 financial assistance for low-income students—were provided the recongition by State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson.

“I am proud of what these schools have accomplished under often challenging circumstances,” Torlakson said. “Their administrators and teachers are committed to giving their students every opportunity to gain the knowledge and skills that will help them in school and throughout their lives.”

distingbanner2While the recognition of over 400 schools might seem superfluous, it should be noted that more than 60% of the some 10,000 schools in California are a part of the federal Title 1 program. This means that nearly 6,000 schools across the state are up for recognition in their academic achievements—and Long Beach is home to three of them.

In order to be considered a Distinguished School, schools must meet a variety of prerequisites, including accountability and academic measures. The CDE then invites them to apply via written application which includes “a comprehensive description of two of the school’s signature practices, and a county-led site validation review process focused on the implementation of those signature practices.”

Elementary schools trade off each year with middle/high schools to receive honors. Thus far, 39 LBUSD schools have been honored with this recognition.

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