Five Schools, One Charter Cited for Academic Achievement

Five San Diego Unified schools and one district charter have been named Title I Academic Achievement Schools by the state Department of Education.

The schools are: Angier Elementary in the Serra Mesa neighborhood; Garfield Elementary, North Park; Hardy Elementary, College area; School of International Studies at San Diego High, downtown; Vista Grande Elementary, Tierrasanta; and King/Chavez Primary Academy Charter, Stockton.

"I congratulate each of these schools, their principals, teachers and staff, students and parents, as well as the schools' network of partners, volunteers and supporters," said Superintendent Bill Kowba. "It takes a daily effort by each individual involved to create the climate of educational excellence recognized by this honor."

Only schools receiving federal Title I funds are eligible to receive the award. The program provides funding and other assistance to schools serving students whose families are at or below the poverty line. To receive the award, low income students need to make significant improvement on meeting California's academic standards, doubling achievement targets for two consecutive years.

In making the announcement, state Superintendent Tom Torlakson lauded the schools for continuing to make progress in tough budget times."Their accomplishments prove the value of investing in our schools," he said, "and I thank the hardworking parents, teachers, administrators and school employees at these campuses for their efforts."

For San Diego Unified Title I Academic Achievement Award winners through the years, go to http://www.sandi.net/page/88. For more on the state program, go to http://www.cde.ca.gov/nr/ne/yr12/yr12rel29.asp