Scotts Valley High and Middle School Named California Distinguished Schools

State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson announced that Scotts Valley High School and Scotts Valley Middle School are two of the 218 public middle and high schools named California Distinguished Schools for academic achievement. 

The two Scotts Valley schools have "gone the extra mile to provide high-quality instruction that puts...students on the right path toward career and college," Torlakson said. 

Schools must meet certain criteria to apply for the Distinguished School designation. Schools are then chosen for the award based on their applications and on-site visits.  

Schools earning the title must then agree to "share their signature practices with other school and become a mentor to those seeking to replicate their work," according to the California Department of Education.

Each of the 218 California Distinguished Schools will be honored in May at regional award ceremonies. Also receiving the award in Santa Cruz County is Aptos High School.