California Gold Ribbon Schools Program
A program for 2015-2016 which honors some of California's outstanding public schools. Schools that are selected demonstrate exemplary achievements in implementing state standards in priority areas.
The California Department of Education (CDE) seeks to recognize outstanding educational programs and practices. The California Gold Ribbon Schools Award was created to honor schools while the California Distinguished Schools Program is on hiatus as California transitions to new assessment and accountability systems. Last year, we recognized 193 middle schools and 180 high schools as Gold Ribbon School Award recipients. We will honor elementary schools in 2016.
Traditionally, the Distinguished Schools Program honored public schools that showed improved student outcomes as measured through Standardized Testing and Reporting scores and additional measures. As programs and policies evolve, the CDE looks toward the same recognition of educational quality with the implementation of academic content and performance standards adopted by the State Board of Education for all pupils, including English learners.
California elementary schools that have made tremendous gains in implementing State Board policies and their Local Control Accountability Plan are invited to apply for the Gold Ribbon Schools Award. Model programs and practices should include standards-based activities, projects, strategies, and practices that schools have adopted during this transitional period, which can be replicated by other local educational agencies.
2016 Elementary Schools Program
- Timeline of Activities
- Eligibility
- Letter to District and County Superintendents and Middle and High School Principals
- County Coordinators
- List of Eligible Elementary Schools (XLS)
2016 Application Package
Gold Ribbon Schools Award
- Intent to Apply
This form is to be used by an elementary school principal to indicate his/her intent to apply for the 2016 California Gold Ribbon Schools Award. Submission of this form is required to be considered for the Gold Ribbon School Award. - Gold Ribbon Application Instructions (DOC)
- Gold Ribbon Application Part A (DOC)
- Gold Ribbon Application Part B (DOC)
- Gold Ribbon Application Scoring Rubric (DOC)
Exemplary Programs
- Arts Education Application Instructions (DOC)
- Arts Education Application (DOC)
- Arts Education Scoring Rubric (DOC)
- Physical Activity & Nutrition Education Application Instructions (Coming Soon)
- Physical Activity & Nutrition Education Application (Coming Soon)
- Physical Activity & Nutrition Education Scoring Rubric (Coming Soon)
Past Recipients
Related Information
2015 Sponsors and Special Friends
Naming Sponsor
California Casualty 
— Headquartered in San Mateo, California Casualty is proud to sponsor the CDE’s School Recognition program because we are committed to education and have supported California teachers and students at school, in the community and behind the wheel for over 60 years.
It is an honor to recognize educators who make a difference every day for our children. It takes real commitment to go far above and beyond to help students reach their full potential. Follow the link above to learn more about California Casualty and our sponsorship of the California Department of Education’s California School Recognition Program.
— Headquartered in San Mateo, California Casualty is proud to sponsor the CDE’s School Recognition program because we are committed to education and have supported California teachers and students at school, in the community and behind the wheel for over 60 years.It is an honor to recognize educators who make a difference every day for our children. It takes real commitment to go far above and beyond to help students reach their full potential. Follow the link above to learn more about California Casualty and our sponsorship of the California Department of Education’s California School Recognition Program.
Diamond
Platinum
Gold
Silver
- California School Employees Association
- California Teachers Association
- Schools First Credit Union
- The College Board
Bronze
- Association of California School Administrators
- California Association of School Business Officials
- West Ed
Copper
- California School Boards Association
- California State PTA
- Lozano Smith
- Nextiva, Inc.
- Travis Credit Union
Questions: Awards Team | awards@cde.ca.gov | 916-319-0842
