Two GGUSD Schools Named 2023 CA Distinguished Schools

Tuesday, January 17, 2023

Garden Grove Unified School District’s Ethan Allen Elementary School and Cook Elementary School were named 2023 California Distinguished Schools. Approximately 350 elementary schools across the state were selected for this prestigious award which recognizes outstanding schools for their success in exceptional student performance and closing the achievement gap.

The California Department of Education selects the honorees using data from the California School Dashboard including assessment results, absenteeism, suspension rates and socioeconomic data.

“We are proud of GGUSD schools for consistently being recognized among the best in the state,” said Board of Education President Walter Muneton. “Our exceptional teachers and staff work hard to deliver high quality instruction and to ensure all students receive the academic support they need to succeed.”

“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,” said State Superintendent Tony Thurmond.

According to the CDE, the California Distinguished Schools program returned in 2023 after the pandemic temporarily suspended the reporting of state and local student data.