Kolb Elementary School Named 'California Distinguished School'

Kolb Elementary School joined an exclusive list of the state’s top schools Wednesday, becoming one of 424 public elementary schools in the State to be named a California Distinguished School.  

“I applaud these strong, thriving schools that are making such impressive strides in preparing their students for continued success,” Torlakson said. “This award is well-deserved by these school communities for their enduring dedication to high standards, hard work, and unwavering support.”  

Kolb, one of 22 schools in Alameda County to be honored, was named a Distinguished School for the first time in its history. Kolb Elementary opened in August 2011.  

"We are thrilled with Kolb’s first-ever selection as a California Distinguished School. In Dublin, our fundamental purpose is student learning. Kolb is an outstanding example of the results and rewards that come from hard work, community involvement and thoughtful engagement,” said Superintendent Stephen Hanke. “We commend our teachers, support staff, parents, and leaders for their dedication and commitment to our students."  

Kolb principal Nicole Browning acknowledged the honor of Kolb’s selection.  

“There are 5768 elementary schools in California; 424 were chosen as Distinguished Schools, and Kolb is one of them,” Browning said. “Kolb is a wonderful school with amazing students, staff and community and we are honored to be named a California Distinguished School.”  

According to the California Department of Education, the 2014 California Distinguished Schools Program focuses on California’s students’ right to an equitable and rigorous education, and recognizes those schools that have made progress in narrowing the academic achievement gap.  

To apply for Distinguished School honors, schools must meet a variety of eligibility criteria, including accountability measures. Once deemed eligible, the California Department of Education (CDE) invites schools to apply to be recognized as a California Distinguished School.

The process consists of a written application, which includes a comprehensive description of two of the school's signature practices, and a county-led site validation review process focused on the implementation of those signature practices.

Schools earning the Distinguished School title agree to share their practices with other schools and become a mentor to those seeking to replicate their work.  

Elementary and secondary schools are recognized in alternate years. Schools selected as California Distinguished Schools will be honored in early June during regional award ceremonies where Torlakson will present each school with a 2014 Distinguished School plaque and flag.  

In addition to being chosen as Distinguished Schools, 30 schools were given an additional honor of being selected as having an Exemplary Program in either Arts Education or Physical Activity and Nutrition after undergoing a separate application process. Kolb was one of the 30 schools chosen.

The awards, introduced in 2013, reflect Torlakson’s goals outlined in his A Blueprint for Great Schools report, which provides vision and direction for California’s education system. 

—Information submitted by Dublin Unified School District