CONTRA COSTA COUNTY (BCN) — A program recognizing the state’s top public elementary schools this year gave Contra Costa County’s schools more accolades than any other county in Northern California, county education officials said on Thursday.
There were 37 local campuses selected as Gold Ribbon Schools, according to the Contra Costa County Office of Education. In California, 758 elementary schools were recognized through the program.
The schools applied for the award after adopting a model program that includes standards-based activities, projects, strategies and practices, according to the office of education.
“The elementary schools in our county being recognized as Gold Ribbon Schools have some truly amazing programs that can serve as models for other schools around the state and country,” Karen Sakata, county superintendent of schools, said in a statement.
The list included schools from small districts such as Byron Union School District, which had its Discovery Bay Elementary selected as one of the county’s Gold Ribbon Schools.
With Wagner Ranch Elementary and Del Rey Elementary both receiving the accolade, two of Orinda Union School District’s four elementary schools were recognized.
Another district with four elementary schools, Martinez Unified School District, had three of its schools acknowledged through the program.
The county’s pair of larger school districts, San Ramon Valley Unified School District and West Contra Costa Unified School District, comprised most of the county’s list of Gold Ribbon Schools.
Thirteen of West Contra Costa Unified School’s more than 35 elementary schools were included, while 18 of San Ramon Valley Unified School District’s 22 elementary schools made the list.
A regional event will publicly recognize the schools selected later this month. Next year, the awards will focus on middle schools and high schools.