Weston Elementary in Ripon is one of 336 elementary schools statewide to receive

California Distinguished School status for 2025.

The prestigious status  recognizes two categories of exceptional schools: those Closing the Achievement Gap and those demonstrating Exceptional Student Performance.

The Ripon Unified campus was one of five in San Joaquin County earning the honor.

The others included — Bethany Elementary, Julius Cordes Elementary, and Hansen Elementary within Lammersville Joint Unified serving the Mountain House area —  as well as Vinewood Elementary in Lodi Unified

 Since its inception in 1985, the California Distinguished Schools Award remains one of the state’s most important ways to celebrate exceptional schools, districts, teachers, and classified employees for their innovation, talent, and success in supporting students.

“Excellent elementary schools play a critical role in the life outcomes of our young people,” State Superintendent Tony Thurmond said.  

Schools were selected by analyzing data reported through the 2024 California School Dashboard, with a focus on demonstrating excellence and growth in academic achievement and ensuring a positive school climate.

To qualify for a Closing the Achievement Gap recognition, schools must enroll at least 40 percent of students from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds and have demonstrated exceptional growth in English language arts (ELA) or math to close persistent achievement gaps. 

The school must have also achieved a “blue” or “green” status on the Dashboard for all students’ ELA achievement, math achievement, chronic absenteeism, and suspension indicators, or have received a “yellow” indicator that demonstrates a significant increase from prior years’ achievement on those indicators. 

To qualify for an Exceptional Student Performance recognition, schools must have achieved among the highest levels of ELA and math achievement for all students, and must have also achieved a “blue” or “green” status on the Dashboard for one or more of the following indicators: all students’ ELA achievement, math achievement, suspension indicator, or chronic absenteeism indicator. 

Schools cannot have received a “red” or “orange” status on any Dashboard indicator.  .

Information regarding the 2024 Dashboard is provided on the CDE California School Dashboard and System of Support web page.