Oakdale’s Fair Oaks Elementary School has received recognition as a California Distinguished School for 2025, the official announcement from State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond issued on March 25.
Thurmond stated that 336 elementary schools have been selected for the prestigious 2025 California Distinguished Schools Program. California’s school recognition program recognizes two categories of exceptional schools: those Closing the Achievement Gap and those demonstrating Exceptional Student Performance.
Fair Oaks, one of four elementary schools in the Oakdale Joint Unified School District, received the honor this year. Fair Oaks is at 151 N. Lee Ave., Oakdale; Principal is Ben Cortes.
Only two other elementary schools in Stanislaus County achieved the ‘distinguished’ status for this year; Hickman Community Charter, Hickman Elementary and Modesto City Elementary, Sonoma Elementary.
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.
“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,” Superintendent Thurmond said. “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.”
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 2024 Dashboard, with a focus on demonstrating excellence and growth in academic achievement and ensuring a positive school climate.
Schools recognized for Closing the Achievement Gap have demonstrated exemplary growth for student groups that have experienced persistent achievement gaps and have also demonstrated strong overall outcomes for all students.
Schools recognized for Exceptional Student Performance are among the highest in overall student achievement, while also showing strong indicators of student engagement and positive school climate.
The California Distinguished Schools program annually recognizes schools for their excellent work; elementary schools and middle and high schools are recognized in alternate years; therefore, awardees hold the title for two years.
The 2025 California Distinguished Schools, along with 2024 National Blue Ribbon Schools, 2024 Civic Learning Award Schools, and 2025 Green Ribbon Schools Green Achievers will be recognized at the Disneyland Hotel in Anaheim on May 30, 2025.
