Menlo-Atherton High Named 'California Distinguished School'

State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson named six San Mateo County schools as recipients of this year’s California Distinguished School Award, including a high school where students from Menlo Park, Atherton, and Redwood City attend classes. 

Award winners include Menlo-Atherton High  (Sequoia Union High School District), Tierra Linda Middle (San Carlos School District), Bowditch Middle (San Mateo-Foster City SD), Burlingame Intermediate (Burlingame School District), Fernando Rivera Intermediate (Jefferson Elementary School District), and Taylor Middle (Millbrae School District) schools.

The California Distinguished Schools Program recognizes individual schools for innovative approaches to improving student academic achievement and narrowing the academic achievement gap. Schools were selected after review of a written application including descriptions of two signature practices and asite visit and review by the San Mateo County Office of Education.

Menlo-Atherton High School was specifically recognized for the English and Math support it provides to at-risk students, as well as its coordinated student and family support services. 

County Superintendent of Schools Anne Campbell noted the depth of innovation and school-wide commitment to increased student achievement evident in the signature practices of each of the honored schools. 

“The demonstrated success of this year’s Distinguished Schools award winners reminds us of the thousands of teachers, classified staff, and administrators who dedicate themselves daily to ensure a high quality educational experience for every student in San Mateo County," Campbell said. "We have much to celebrate, and I am thrilled to extend a hearty congratulations to our San Mateo County 2013 California Distinguished Schools.”

This information was shared with Patch by the Office of the State Superintendent of Public Instruction.

Do you think the school's programs deserve this award? Scroll down and tell us in the comments. 

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