Garden Grove Unified School District Named a 2018 California Exemplary District

Wednesday, April 4, 2018
Rosita Elementary, Zeyen Elementary, Murdy Elementary, Warren Elementary, Evans Elementary, Faylane Elementary, Patton Elementary, Paine Elementary, Cook Elementary, Allen Elementary, Stanford Elementary

Garden Grove Unified School District (GGUSD) was named a 2018 California Exemplary District, a prestigious recognition awarded to only 22 school districts across the state by the California Department of Education. The new award celebrates districts that have implemented model practices, which resulted in positive student outcomes. Additionally, eleven elementary schools in GGUSD were named 2018 California Distinguished Schools, a top honor for the state’s most inspiring public schools that demonstrate significant academic gains in narrowing the achievement gap.

“We are extremely proud that our district and our schools are recognized as leaders in the state for academic excellence,” said Bob Harden, Board of Education president. “This recognition is a direct result of our dedicated teachers and staff who commit each and every day to providing their students with the tools to help them achieve lifelong success.”

GGUSD has more schools on the 2018 California Distinguished Schools list than any district in Orange County and any comparable district across the state. The honor recognizes schools that show the highest academic gains in state tests and those schools with successful climate and culture initiatives. California’s Distinguished Schools are considered models with successful practices that other school leaders hope to replicate.

The eleven 2018 California Distinguished Schools are Allen, Cook, Evans, Faylane, Murdy, Paine, Patton, Rosita, Stanford, Warren, and Zeyen elementary schools. The Distinguished Schools award program was reinstated after a three year hiatus during which time schools were recognized for academic success with the state’s Gold Ribbon awards. This Distinguished Schools award program alternates between recognizing elementary and secondary schools from year to year.