California honors three Stanislaus elementary schools for student achievement
Three Stanislaus County elementary schools have been selected for the 2025 California Distinguished Schools Program, a prestigious recognition for schools excelling in student achievement and closing learning gaps.
The California Distinguished Schools Program highlights schools that excel in one of two categories:
- Closing the Achievement Gap — schools that have significantly improved outcomes for historically underserved student groups
- Exceptional Student Performance — schools with high overall achievement and a strong school climate.
Among the 336 elementary schools recognized were Hickman Elementary in the Hickman Community Charter District, Sonoma Elementary in the Modesto City Schools district, and Fair Oaks Elementary in Oakdale Joint Unified. Weston Elementary from Ripon Unified was also honored. The state’s list does not indicate in which category each school was honored.
“The Fair Oaks Elementary staff, students and families are very excited and honored to receive the prestigious recognition of being named a California Distinguished School for 2025,” Principal Ben Cortes told The Bee via email. “This award serves as a testament to the relentless efforts put forth by our entire school community and our dedication to always prioritizing what is best for our students. I am incredibly proud of them all.”
Weston Principal Lisa Fereria also told The Bee by email: “We are humbled and honored to receive this award and take great pride in this recognition while remaining dedicated to inspiring lifelong learners and future leaders. This achievement is a testament to our commitment to academic excellence, innovative teaching practices, and creating supportive learning environments where every student is empowered to succeed. Our educators work diligently to provide a culture of collaboration where students can access opportunities that they need to thrive and succeed. “
Trish Anderson, superintendent of Hickman Community Charter School, said in an email: “We are a small rural school with limited resources, so this achievement is met with the pure grit of our staff, and not a lot of fancy programs. I am very proud and would love to take the credit, but any leader knows it is those in the trenches who make the biggest difference! From the bus drivers, custodians, food service, office staff, nurses, paraeducators, teachers and specialists, this award belongs to them!”
Anderson said when she became superintendent three years ago, the district brought in an intervention teacher, which allowed it to reach more students who were suffering “after the school closures our students had to endure in the previous two years.” This allowed them to improve attendance and reduce suspensions by adopting a student-first approach and meeting them where they are.
She added that she plans to treat the staff to a taco lunch on Friday and is organizing a celebration for students, which will feature a Movie and Family Fun Night BBQ on their new football field in May after state testing concludes.
“It is my pleasure to honor and recognize these 336 elementary schools for their efforts to provide exemplary public education to all students. Excellent elementary schools play a critical role in the life outcomes of our young people,” California Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond said in a press release. “This year’s California Distinguished Schools celebration provides us with an opportunity to recognize the hard work of our elementary educators and school staff who help our students discover passions and experiences that will propel them.”
The California Department of Education determines honorees based on multiple measures from the California School Dashboard, which tracks academic achievement and school climate.
Schools recognized for Closing the Achievement Gap must have a significant portion of socioeconomically disadvantaged students and show strong growth in English language arts and math while maintaining high performance in attendance and discipline metrics.
Meanwhile, Exceptional Student Performance schools rank among the top in overall academic achievement while also demonstrating high levels of student engagement and a positive school climate.
Honorees will be celebrated alongside other distinguished programs, including National Blue Ribbon Schools and Green Ribbon Schools, at a recognition ceremony at the Disneyland Hotel in Anaheim on May 30.
The Distinguished Schools title is awarded on a rotating basis, with elementary schools and middle/high schools recognized in alternate years. Schools that receive the honor hold the distinction for two years.
This story was originally published March 26, 2025 at 11:31 AM.
