Elementary Schools in Venice and Mar Vista Honored

One elementary school in Venice and one in Mar Vista were among 387 public elementary schools statewide that were named Thursday as 2012 California Distinguished Schools.

Coeur d'Alene Avenue Elementary School in Venice and Beethoven Street Elementary School in Mar Vista were recognized for their innovative education programs.

"The schools we are recognizing today demonstrate the incredible commitment of California's teachers, administrators, and school employees to provide a world-class education to every student, in spite of the financial hardships facing our state and our schools," said Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson in a statement. "Their dedication is inspiring, and I applaud and admire their passion and persistence."

The program identifies and recognizes schools that have demonstrated educational excellence campus-wide and narrowing the achievement gap.
Schools must meet federal and state eligibility criteria to apply for the distinction and the application process includes a written description of two of the school's best practices and an on-site review.

Schools that earn the title agree to share their best practices and act as mentors. A searchable database of those signature practices will be made available later this spring by the California Department of Education.

The entire list of schools named as 2012 California Distinguished Schools can be found right here.