Temescal Canyon High School named ‘Distinguished School’ by state of California

Temescal Canyon High School, the local high school to which most Canyon Lake students attend, was named a 2021 California Distinguished School, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond announced this week.

The California Department of Education (CDE) identifies and awards eligible schools 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, conditions and climate. After a review of the data, CDE identified Temescal Canyon High School for this year’s honor.

“Temescal Canyon High School joins the ranks of all 2021 California Distinguished Schools who are being recognized for this distinction because of its exceptional record to provide for all students and its commitment to data-driven efforts that prepare students for college and career,” Thurmond said. “Our thanks go to the entire communities surrounding these schools, including the teachers, administrators, and classified employees as well as the students and their families who, through teamwork, all accomplished this impressive achievement together.”

Sponsored by the CDE and presented by California Casualty, the Distinguished Schools Program 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.

Distinguished Schools represent examples of not just excellent teaching, learning and collaboration, but also highly successful, data-driven school efforts ranging from professional development to positive behavior intervention, Thurmond said.