Two Ventura County high schools are being honored as 2021 California Distinguished Schools by the California Department of Education. Oak Park High School in the Oak Park Unified School District and Rancho Campana High School in the Oxnard Union High School Districts are recipients of this coveted award.

“I want to congratulate everyone at Oak Park High School and Rancho Campana High School for being named 2021 California Distinguished Schools,” said Dr. César Morales, Ventura County Superintendent of Schools. “It’s an especially impressive achievement in this school year that’s been filled with unprecedented challenges due to the pandemic,” he said.

Schools are selected for the award based on performance and progress on state indicators specified on the California School Dashboard, the state’s accountability and continuous improvement system. Indicators include test scores, suspension rates, and conditions and climate. Elementary schools and middle and high schools are recognized in alternate years; therefore, awardees hold the title for two years.

The two Ventura County honorees are among a select group. Just 223 California middle and high schools, out of more than 2,600 in the state, received the award this year. Additional information about the winners and the Distinguished Schools program is available here.