Gahr High School Named California Distinguished School
State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond has named Gahr High School a 2021 California Distinguished School. The California Department of Education recognizes schools through this program based on state indicators on the California Schools Dashboard. The Dashboard, the state's accountability, and continuous improvement structure include school data like test scores, school climate, and school conditions.
"This recognition is significant for our school," said Principal Dr. Ricardo Lois. "Very few schools are named as California Distinguished Schools, and it's a validation of the quality of education being provided at Gahr High School and a testament to our incredible staff and students."
The California Distinguished Schools program focuses on two areas – closing the achievement gap and achieving exceptional school performance. The program is sponsored by the California Department of Education and presented by California Casualty.
"What an amazing accomplishment by the staff and students at Gahr High School," said Superintendent Dr. Mary Sieu. "We are fortunate to have had many of our schools named as California Distinguished Schools, and now we can add Gahr to the list!"
Gahr High School, located in Cerritos, serves over 1,900 students. Recent California Schools Dashboard data shows marked increases in Mathematics, as well as College and Career Readiness. The school also boasts a 98.3 percent graduation rate.