Natomas Charter Named Distinguished School

THE NATOMAS BUZZ | @natomasbuzz

Natomas Charter School has been named a California Distinguished School for its commitment and innovative approaches to improving student achievement.

State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson last week named 218 public middle and high schools California Distinguished Schools.

“These schools have gone the extra mile to provide high-quality instruction that puts their students on the right path toward career and college,” said Torlakson. “Given the enormous challenges schools have faced in recent years, it is inspiring to see this kind of success in so many schools. Our future depends on meeting the needs of every student no matter where they come from or where they live.”

Natomas Charter School was one of five schools selected in Sacramento County. Other Sacramento-area schools named by Torlakson were West Campus High in the Sacramento Unified School District and Andrew Carnegie Middle, Mira Loma High and Rio American High – all in the San Juan Unified School District.

Natomas Charter School was approved by the Natomas Unified School District Board of Trustees in the spring of 1993 and began operations in the fall of 1993. Its programs now include the Performing and Fine Arts Academy, Pursuing Academic Choices Together, Leading Edge Middle School, Virtual Learning Academy and Star Academy.

According to a press release from Torlakson’s office, the 2013 California Distinguished Schools Program focused on the right of California’s students to an equitable and rigorous education, and recognized schools that have made progress in narrowing the academic achievement gap.

To apply for Distinguished School honors, schools must meet a variety of eligibility criteria, including accountability measures. Once schools are deemed eligible, the California Department of Education invites them to apply to be recognized as a California Distinguished School.

The application process consists of a written application, which includes a comprehensive description of two of the school’s signature practices, and a county-led site validation review process, which validates the implementation of those signature practices.

Schools earning the Distinguished School title agree to share their signature practices with other schools and become a mentor to those seeking to replicate their work. Elementary and secondary schools are recognized in alternate years.