Richardson PREP HI Middle School, one of the highest-performing schools in the Inland Empire, has been named a California Distinguished School for the eighth time.
Richardson is among 11 secondary schools in San Bernardino County and 162 in the state to receive the honor this year from the California Department of Education. Schools are recognized for achieving exceptional student performance for two consecutive school years or closing the achievement gap between two school years. Distinguished Schools hold the title for two years.
Superintendent Dr. Dale Marsden praised the school and staff for their commitment to academic excellence.
“Richardson is making hope happen for students by putting them on a trajectory to college and careers,” Marsden said. “When caring teachers believe in students and challenge them to excel, students learn to believe in themselves and that’s when amazing things happen.”
The data used to assess schools for the award comes from the California School Dashboard and includes test scores, suspension rates, and graduation rates.
Richardson has received the California Distinguished School award eight times, most recently in 2017. The middle school is also a National Blue Ribbon School, one of the highest national honors for schools.
“This is a team effort. Our teachers, support staff, administrators, students, and parents are dedicated and determined to keep our culture and tradition of high expectations and high support for all,” said Principal Jenny Paige.
“Our success is the result of years of hard work and a consistent focus on how we can continue to improve,” Paige said. “Richardson teachers know they have the future of this community sitting in their classrooms.”
State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond commended the schools for fighting for a better future for students.
“Thanks to teachers, administrators, classified employees, and parents working together, these schools meet the needs of all of their students, provide high-quality educational experiences, and put kids on a pathway to great careers,” Thurmond said.
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A service of the Communications Department of San Bernardino City Unified School District