By City News Service
The state Department of Education on Tuesday designated 19 schools in Riverside County as “Gold Ribbon Schools,” an honor that replaces the former California Distinguished Schools program.
“These schools are academically successful, vibrant and innovative centers of learning and teaching,” said Tom Torlakson, the state superintendent of public instruction. “They provide great examples of the things educators are doing right -- embracing rigorous academic standards, providing excellence and creativity in teaching, and creating a positive school climate.”
Riverside County schools making the list were:
- Norte Vista High;
- San Gorgonio Middle;
- Eleanor Roosevelt High;
- Desert Ridge Academy;
- John Glenn Middle School of International Studies;
- La Quinta High;
- La Quinta Middle;
- Palm Desert High;
- Hemet High;
- Temescal Canyon High;
- Badger Springs Middle;
- Bayside Community Day School;
- Landmark Middle;
- Sunnymead Middle;
- Valley View High;
- Vista del Lago High;
- Vista Heights Middle;
- Thompson Middle; and
- Cathedral City High.
The schools are among 193 middle schools and 180 high schools that were honored. Elementary schools will receive awards next year.
The Distinguished Schools program was suspended while state education officials develop new assessment and accountability systems.
