Two Alhambra elementary schools, Fremont and Marguerita, were honored this week as California Distinguished Schools. The state Board of Education presents the award to about 5% of public schools annually that best represent exemplary and quality educational programs based on federal and state criteria including the Academic Performance Index (API), and Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP). Decreasing the achievement gap is a key focus of the award and most of the winning schools have significant populations of students living in poverty or learning English.

“These schools have persevered despite state budget cutbacks that have cut deeply into the budgets of local school districts,” State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O’Connell said when he announced the 484 winning schools. “I encourage educators throughout our state to review the signature practices that Distinguished Schools are using to improve student achievement.”

Fremont and Margeurita both have received the award in the past, as have nine other schools in the district.

2010

• Fremont Elementary
• Marguerita Elementary

2008

• Park Elementary

2006

• Martha Baldwin School
• Repetto School
• William Northrup Elementary
• Ynez Elementary

2005

• Alhambra High
• Mark Keppel High

2004

• Marguerita Elementary
• Park Elementary
• Ramona Elementary

2002

• Fremont Elementary
• Martha Baldwin Elementary
• Ynez Elementary

1993

• Brightwood Elementary