
Five Santa Barbara and Monterey County Schools Honored as California Distinguished Schools
Five schools in Santa Barbara and Monterey counties have been recognized as California Distinguished Schools for 2025, joining a prestigious list of educational institutions across the state. The honored schools in Santa Barbara County include Cold Spring School, Franklin Elementary School, Monte Vista School, Peabody Charter School, and Santa Ynez Valley Union High School. Meanwhile, in Monterey County, the distinguished schools are Buena Vista Middle School, Chualar Union School, La Gloria Elementary School, Pacific Grove High School, and San Ardo Union Elementary School.
This accolade, awarded by the California Department of Education, highlights schools that demonstrate exceptional student performance and progress. The recognition is part of a biennial program that celebrates schools for their commitment to academic excellence and innovative educational practices. The California Distinguished Schools Program aims to foster a culture of continuous improvement and share best practices among schools statewide.
The announcement of these distinguished schools comes as a testament to the hard work and dedication of students, teachers, and administrators in these counties. It also reflects the broader efforts across California to elevate educational standards and provide quality education to all students.