State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond announced this week that Branham High School is one of only four high schools in Santa Clara County honored as part of the 2021 California Distinguished Schools Program.
The California Department of Education (CDE) identifies and awards eligible schools based on performance and progress on state indicators that are outlined on the California School Dashboard. These include test scores, suspension rates, and overall school conditions and climate. Specifically, the Distinguished Schools Program celebrates schools for their work in one of two categories: closing the achievement gap and achieving exceptional student performance.
According to the CDE, distinguished schools serve as examples of excellent teaching, learning and collaboration that yield highly successful, data-driven results. More information about the categories and award eligibility can be found here.
“We are proud to be recognized for our faculty and staff’s continued effort to support students with college and career preparation and readiness during even the hardest of times,” said Principal Cheryl Lawton. “The hard work, collaboration, and tenacity of our talented team has made this accomplishment possible.”
Branham High School will be formally recognized for this esteemed award at a virtual ceremony at a date to be determined.