By the Numbers

A former component of the California Department of Education (CDE) California School Recognition Program (CSRP), the California Gold Ribbon Schools Program was utilized for three years in place of the California Distinguished Schools Program while California transitioned to its new assessment and accountability system, the California School Dashboard.

From 2015–17, California recognized schools that demonstrated exemplary achievements with the California Gold Ribbon Schools Program. In 2018, the CDE transitioned from the California Gold Ribbon Schools Program back to the California Distinguished Schools Program.

Wiseburn USD has received the recognition at our schools in the following years:

• 2016: Hollyglen Elementary School
• 2016: Aviation Elementary School
• 2015: Wiseburn Middle School

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Since its inception in 1985, the California Distinguished Schools Award remains one of the important ways to celebrate exceptional schools, districts, teachers, and classified employees for their innovation, talent, and success in supporting students. Wiseburn USD has received the recognition at our schools in the following years:

• 2021: Wiseburn Middle School
• 2020: Del Aire Elementary School
• 2018: Aviation Elementary School

The California Distinguished Schools program recognizes schools for their excellent work in one of two categories: closing the achievement gap and achieving exceptional student performance. Elementary schools and middle and high schools are recognized in alternate years; therefore, awardees hold the title for two years.

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In 2022, each of the four Wiseburn TK-8 schools — Hollyglen, Aviation, Del Aire, and WMS — and the District won a 2022 California Pivotal Practice Award for practices implemented during the 2020-21 school year. The California Pivotal Practice (CAPP) Program was utilized by California in 2022 in place of the California Distinguished Schools (DS), when California required schools to offer distance learning due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Schools to Watch is a designation awarded to outstanding middle schools across the country. The Schools to Watch Program was designed by the National Forum. Criteria established by the National Forum are used as the basis for the Forum’s Schools to Watch Program, which focuses on school improvement efforts characterized by a continuous trajectory toward success.

Wiseburn Middle School received the California Schools to Watch designation in 2023.

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Educational Results Partnership Honor Roll utilizes public school student achievement data to identify and recognize successful schools, districts, and charter management organizations.

Wiseburn USD has received the recognition at our schools and district in the following years:

• 2025: Wiseburn Unified School District, Aviation Elementary School, Del Aire Elementary School, Wiseburn Middle School
• 2024: Aviation Elementary, Wiseburn Middle School
• 2019-2020: Aviation Elementary School, Del Aire Elementary School, Wiseburn Middle School
• 2017-2018: Aviation Elementary School

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In 2015, the California Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) initiated the first statewide effort to implement a recognition system to acknowledge schools for implementing PBIS with fidelity to the national framework. Schools apply to be recognized as Bronze, Silver, Gold, or Platinum PBIS schools.

Wiseburn USD has received the recognition at our schools in the following years:

• 2018-19 Platinum Recognition: Hollyglen Elementary School
• 2018-19 Platinum Recognition: Aviation Elementary School
• 2018-19 Platinum Recognition: Del Aire Elementary School
• 2018-19 Platinum Recognition: Wiseburn Middle School

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In 2025, Wiseburn Unified School District was accepted into the 2025-26 cohort of the League of Innovative Schools (The League), a national network of school districts that connects and supports the nation’s most forward-thinking leaders in education. The League is organized by Digital Promise, a global nonprofit working to expand opportunity for every learner by bridging solutions across research, practice, and technology.

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As part of The League, Wiseburn USD joined the League Learning Collaboratives (LLCs), specifically participating in the Educator Recruitment and Retention LLC to explore innovative strategies to attract, support, and retain high-quality educators and administrators who reflect the diversity and strengths of the Wiseburn community.

Learn more about the League Learning Collaboratives

In 2024, Wiseburn Unified School District was honored as a Model School Attendance Review Board (SARB) by the State Superintendent of Public Instruction, Tony Thurmond. This prestigious recognition highlights WUSD's exemplary efforts in reducing chronic absenteeism rates and enhancing student attendance.

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The annual Niche rankings evaluate thousands of school districts across the country based on key indicators such as academics, teacher quality, diversity, and parent/student reviews.

Each year, U.S. News & World Report recognizes top-performing elementary and middle schools across the nation in its Best Schools rankings. The rankings are based on state assessment results in reading and math, with consideration for student achievement and socioeconomic equity. Earning a place on these lists highlights a school’s commitment to academic excellence and to helping all students reach their full potential.