A CALIFORNIA DISTINGUISHED SCHOOL

The California Distinguished School award is given to, in the words of the State Department of Education, "the state's most exemplary and inspiring public schools". In order to be eligible to apply, a school must meet stringent federal and state academic performance standards. Once these standards have been met, the school must submit an excruciatingly detailed, essay-style application. If this written application passes muster (and many don't) the school must then pass a thorough site inspection conducted by a trained team of state and county educators. In the fall of 2003, Arroyo Seco was eligible to apply because of its academic excellence and decided to go for it. The faculty, staff, and parents participated in a huge data-gathering session. All of the ideas and raw data were enhanced and aligned to the specific topics required to be addressed. Then Mr. Van Schaack and parents collaborated to actually write the application. Hundreds of work-hours later it was completed and submitted to the state.

Arroyo Seco passed the site inspection in spring 2004 with flying colors. It was a sight to see. The school's classrooms and grounds sparkled, thanks to the efforts of parents and staff. The inspection team interviewed students, parents and faculty and toured every classroom. The team was, frankly, blown away by the level of community support, staff dedication, and student achievement at Arroyo Seco. The school received the award in May 2004.

What does it mean, being a California Distinguished School? It's not the money (you don't get any)! Rather, the application is a journey of self-discovery, of realizing not just what you're doing right, but what you could be doing better. The community effort that went into receiving the award translates to even more parent involvement which results in better student attendance and achievement. Finally, many people buy a home based on the local school's reputation. Being a California Distinguished School only increases the number of committed parents who will locate in our neighborhoods, join the school, and perpetuate the great things that happen for children here year after year.

To view the school's application, just click on the link below. We guarantee you'll learn great things about Arroyo Seco you never knew!

Arroyo Seco California Distinguished School Application

Arroyo Seco Elementary
5280 Irene Way
Livermore, CA 94550

Office: 925-606-4700
Fax: 925-606-3427

Livermore Valley Joint Unified School District

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Arroyo Seco ID#
104229


Arroyo Seco ID# 140363144