PV High Named Distinguished School

Palos Verdes High School was one of 218 schools in California designated as a California Distinguished School on Thursday.

In Los Angeles County, 39 schools were recognized. Palos Verdes High School was the only school in Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District to receive the honor.

"These schools have gone the extra mile to provide high-quality instruction that puts their students on the right path toward career and college," said Tom Torlakson, state superintendent of public instruction. "Given the enormous challenges schools have faced in recent years, it is inspiring to see this kind of success in so many schools."

Selection is based on grades and closing performance gaps among demographic groups.

The state recognizes elementary schools in alternate years. Last year, Soleado Elementary was honored, and in 2011, Palos Verdes Intermediate School was selected. PVIS will not be eligible to reapply until the 2015 cycle.

The voluntary California School Recognition Program is now in its 25th year. More than 5,300 public schools have been designated or redesignated a Distinguished School since the program began in 1986.

—City News Service and Meredith Skrzypczak contributed to this report.