Awards and Recognition Program

To create interest and support for the civic mission of schools at the district and school site levels, the Campaign has created an awards and recognition program. Schools that elect to systematically review and improve their current efforts to develop engaged citizens are recognized by the Campaign with one of two designations of excellence. Schools that implement a plan to strengthen current practice and/or that already have programs that operate at a high level of excellence are designated as Schools of Distinction. These activities must be based on the six promising approaches to civic education made by the Civic Mission of Schools report. Those carrying out a school-wide assessment and planning process to identify strengths and weaknesses of present practice are designated as Schools of Merit.

Since 2007 the Campaign has recognized schools across California:

Schools of Distinction
Schools that have implemented a plan to strengthen current practice and/or that already have programs that operate at a high level of excellence.

• Amador Valley High School, Pleasanton
• Bell Gardens HS, Bell Gardens
• John F. Kennedy High School, Sacramento
• Irvington High School , Fremont
• Santiago Creek School, Santa Ana
• Foothill High School, Bakersfield
• Meadowbrook Middle School, Poway

Schools of Merit
Schools carrying out a school-wide assessment and planning process to identify strengths and weaknesses of present practice.

• Afflerbaugh-Paige Camp School , La Verne
• Richard Henry Dana Middle School , Hawthorne
• Endeavour Elementary School, Bakersfield

Special Recognition
Schools that have show excellence in individual program areas.

• Emery Secondary School, Emeryville
• De Anza High School, Richmond