Valley Named a Distinguished School

Hermosa Valley School has earned the state’s highest level of recognition as a California Distinguished School. This 2019 honor for its middle school program joins the same designation earned for its elementary program in 2018. Each designation lasts for two years, meaning Hermosa Valley School is currently a distinguished school across all its grade levels, which covers third grade through eighth grade.

Sponsored by the state Department of Education and California Casualty, the California Distinguished Schools program returned in 2018 following a three-year hiatus, during which time the state overhauled its accountability system.

“I would like to commend all employees, parents, and community members for the unwavering support you give to our students and programs each and everyday," said Hermosa Beach City School District Superintendent Patricia Escalante. "Although this award is in recognition of the Hermosa Valley Middle School program, the quest for excellence in education begins in Kindergarten and in every grade level along the way.  This award exemplifies the vision of the Board of Trustees that, All students are empowered to achieve and thrive."

Schools earn the prestigious distinction for demonstrating exceptional student performance for two consecutive school years — test scores, suspensions, and graduation rates are used as metrics — or for closing the achievement gap between two school years. Along with celebrating high achievers, the goal is to spotlight successful programs and practices that can be replicated elsewhere.

This year’s award-winning schools and districts will be honored in April during a ceremony at the Disneyland Hotel in Anaheim.