The California Distinguished Schools Program was established in 1985 to recognize schools that demonstrate exemplary achievements. The San Bernardino City Unified School District has become a 2025 recipient with two elementary schools being awarded. 18 SBCUSD campuses have earned the California Distinguished Schools Award since its establishment.
Ramona-Alessandro Elementary School is a first-time recipient of this award, while Palm Avenue Elementary School is a third-time recipient. Palm Avenue previously was awarded in 2002 and 2010, as well as receiving a California School Boards Association Golden Bell Award in 2000. Ramona-Alessandro houses a plethora of programs for students of all grade levels to excel in their academics.
Both of these schools were recognized in the categories of “Closing the Achievement Gap” and “Exceptional Student Performance.” In order to be awarded in these categories, at least 40 percent of enrolled students from a socioeconomically disadvantaged background must demonstrate significant growth in English language arts or math to close the achievement gap with their peers…