Lincoln and Roseville middle schools named California Distinguished Schools

The California Department of Education recently named Twelve Bridges Middle School and Barbara Chilton Middle School California Distinguished Schools. California's school recognition program recognizes two categories of exceptional schools: those closing the achievement gap and those demonstrating exceptional student performances. The Placer County schools are two of 293 middle and high schools selected throughout the state. Twelve Bridges Middle School is located in Lincoln and is part of the Western Placer Unified School District. According to Western Placer Unified, this is the third time the middle school has been given this honor. Barbara Chilton Middle School is in Roseville and is a part of the Roseville City School District. Since its inception in 1985, the California Distinguished Schools Award remains one of the state's most important ways to celebrate exceptional schools, districts, teachers, and classified employees for their innovation, talent, and success in supporting students. "This year's celebration provides us with an opportunity to recognize the hard work of our secondary educators and school staff who help our young adults discover passions and access college- and career-ready experiences that will propel them through life," the California Department of Education stated on social media. To select California Distinguished Schools, the California Department of Education (CDE) uses multiple measures to identify eligible schools based on their performance on the state indicators as specified on the California School Dashboard (Dashboard). Specifically, schools were selected by analyzing data reported through the 2023 Dashboard, with a focus on demonstrating excellence and growth in academic achievement and ensuring a positive school climate. Schools are recognized for exceptional student performance based on achieving exemplary performance in English Language Arts (ELA) and math, reducing suspensions, and demonstrating high graduation rates (high schools only). Schools recognized for closing the achievement gap enroll at least 40 percent of their students from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds and, in addition to demonstrating exemplary overall performance in ELA and math, achieve accelerated academic growth for one or more historically underserved student groups. "It is my pleasure to honor and recognize these 293 secondary schools for their efforts to provide exemplary public education to all students. Excellent middle schools and high schools play a critical role in the life outcomes of our young people," said State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond. "This year's California Distinguished Schools celebration provides us with an opportunity to recognize the hard work of our secondary educators and school staff who help our young adults discover passions and access college- and career-ready experiences that will propel them through life."