PV Intermediate Named California Distinguished School

Palos Verdes Intermediate School was one of nearly 100 schools recognized by the state last week as a California Distinguished School, making it the only public education institution in the district to receive the distinction.

State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson announced the schools April 12.

"These schools are being recognized for attaining high levels of performance and sustained growth, and for making significant progress in closing the academic achievement gap," Torlakson said in a statement.

Also noted for its accomplishments was Mira Costa High in the Manhattan Beach Unified School District. Torrance High School and Port of Los Angeles High School were also recognized, in addition to more than 90 others.

Schools were identified for eligibility on the basis of their Academic Performance Index and Adequate Yearly Progress results, which are the state and federal accountability models, respectively.

The applicants were also identified by their success in narrowing the achievement gap that exists between higher-performing and lower-performing students.

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.