Eastshore Elementary School, alongside Bonita Canyon Elementary School, Portola Springs Elementary School and Plaza Vista School, was named a 2025 California Distinguished School. This designation is the state’s top honor for schools.
California Distinguished Schools are selected based on key indicators tied to the California School Dashboard, which is the state’s primary school accountability and improvement tool. Indicators reflect test scores, suspension rates, conditions and school climate. In total, 336 California elementary schools were honored through this year’s Distinguished Schools program, with 44 in Orange County.
“IUSD is proud of our students, staff and parents, who exemplify our mission to provide the highest quality educational experience we can envision," said IUSD Board of Education President Katie McEwen. "Congratulations to our schools for this prestigious designation.”
The California Distinguished Schools program annually recognizes schools for their excellent work in one of two categories: closing the achievement gap and achieving exceptional student performance. Elementary schools and middle and high schools are recognized in alternate years; therefore, awardees hold the title for two years.
“It is my pleasure to honor and recognize these 336 elementary schools for their efforts to provide exemplary public education to all students. Excellent elementary schools play a critical role in the life outcomes of our young people,” stated 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 elementary educators and school staff who help our students discover passions and experiences that will propel them.”
The 2025 California Distinguished School will be recognized in Anaheim on May 30, 2025.
For more information on the designation, please visit the CDE California Distinguished Schools Program web page.