Glendale Unified School District’s Toll Middle and Clark Magnet High schools were recently recognized as 2024 California Distinguished Schools by the California Department of Education.
The California Distinguished Schools Program recognizes California schools that have made exceptional gains in implementing academic content and performance standards adopted by the State Board of Education. Elementary and secondary schools are recognized in alternate years.
California State Superintendent Tony Thurmond said the recognition speaks to the quality of the schools chosen on many fronts.
“California Distinguished Schools represent examples of not just excellent teaching, learning and collaboration, but also highly successful, data-driven school efforts ranging from professional development for educators to mental health and social-emotional wellness strategies to address the needs of students and families,” Thurmond said.
GUSD Board of Education President Jennifer Freemon said this outcome is possible because of the excellence that exists in the district.
“Recognition by the California Distinguished Schools program is a prestigious honor that reflects the hard work, dedication and commitment of our educators and staff, in partnership with families, to maximize achievement for every student,” Freemon said. “This award is a testament to the excellence of our educational programs and the positive impact our schools have on the lives of children.”
Superintendent Darneika Watson said she is celebrating the schools’ accomplishment with all of GUSD.
“Our dedicated administrators, teachers, staff and families maintain a relentless focus on high academic achievement while fostering a positive learning culture and emphasizing health and well-being for every child,” Watson said. “I am so proud to celebrate this wonderful recognition with our GUSD community.”
For more information, contact Kristine Nam at (818) 241-3111, ext. 1218 or knam@gusd.net.
First published in the March 9 print issue of the Glendale News-Press.
