The California Department of Education bestowed one of the highest honors for public schools to City Honors International Preparatory High School in Inglewood.
The district-affiliated charter school is now a California Distinguished School. That means the school demonstrated high academic performance, improved achievement gaps and is a “beacon of opportunity,” according to the website for the state’s distinguished school program.
“This honor belongs to our students, teachers, families, and employees who work together every day to create a culture of excellence,” Saba Araya, the school’s principal, said in a press release from the district. “We are proud of the achievements of our students and so grateful to be recognized for the work happening in our classrooms.”
This year, 408 middle and high schools across California earned the distinction based on performance data from the state’s accountability system, the California School Dashboard, according to a district’s release.
The designation was announced during the March 11 Board of Education meeting. News of the designation is not just a source of pride for students and staff, but for alumni as well.
“As a former student, it’s awesome because my former English teacher is the principal,” said Ernesto Castillo, an alumnus of City Honors and an Inglewood school board member. “As principal she was really able to transform the school into a top tier destination.”
The designation is welcome news as the district tries to climb its way out of a 14-year receivership. Inglewood schools remain under state control and between 2018 and 2025, the district closed nearly half of its schools. James Morris, the district’s county administrator, told The LA Local the district could regain control as early as 2027, but their focus is still on student success.
“City Honors International Preparatory High represents the very best of what public education can accomplish,” Morris said in a statement. “This recognition highlights the strong leadership and instructional practices that are helping our students thrive.”
Bernadette Lucas, the city’s assistant superintendent of educational services, said in a statement the district’s employees “work tirelessly to ensure every student has access to rigorous instruction and meaningful opportunities.”
“Being named a California Distinguished School affirms the impact of this commitment,” her statement read.
Schools hold the California Distinguished School designation for two years, according to the education department. The district release said City Honors and other designated schools will be recognized by the education department on April 24 at The Disneyland Hotel.
