Fresno area has 11 of best elementary schools in CA. Does your child attend one?
The Fresno area is home to 11 of the best elementary schools in California, according to state educators.
The California Department of Education recently recognized a total of 336 elementary schools across the state as part of its 2025 California Distinguished Schools Program, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond announced on Tuesday, March 25.
Created in 1985, the Distinguished Schools program recognizes two types of “exceptional schools” — schools that are “closing the achievement gap” and those that demonstrate “exceptional student performance,” the state education department said in a news release.
It’s one of California’s “most important ways to celebrate exceptional schools, districts, teachers and classified employees for their innovation, talent and success in supporting students, the release said.
The 2025 Distinguished Schools recipients will be formally recognized at a special ceremony at the Disneyland Hotel in Anaheim on May 30, the release said.
Here’s which local schools made the list:
What are best elementary schools in Fresno County?
In Fresno County, a total of six elementary schools earned California Distinguished Schools honors in 2025.
“Excellent elementary schools play a critical role in the life outcomes of our young people,” Thurmond said in the release, praising the “hard work of our elementary educators and school staff who help our students discover passions and experiences that will propel them.”
Two Clovis Unified School District campuses — Copper Hills Elementary School in Fresno and Woods Elementary School in Clovis — made the list.
Madison Elementary School in Fresno, part of Central Unified School District, was honored along with another Fresno school, Mayfair Elementary School, which belongs to Fresno Unified School District.
The state education department also awarded Distinguished Schools honors to Goldenrod Elementary School in Kerman, part of Kerman Unified School District, and Lincoln Elementary School in Reedley, part of Kings Canyon Joint Unified School District.
“As one of only six schools in all of Fresno County, this is a huge honor and a great reflection of all the hard work and dedication shown by students, families and staff,” Kings Canyon Joint Unified School District representatives wrote in an Instagram post. “Keep up the great work, Panthers!”
On its website, Copper Hills Elementary said it works to “provide a safe, nurturing environment with high standards that will empower students with critical thinking skills and a foundation to be lifelong learners.”
What are best elementary schools in Tulare County?
The California Department of Education gave Distinguished Schools honors to a total of five Tulare County elementary schools in 2025.
Those included Golden Valley Elementary School in Orosi, part of Cutler-Orosi Joint Unified School District, and Roosevelt Elementary School in Dinuba, which belongs to Dinuba Unified School District.
Also honored was Rocky Hill Elementary School in Exeter, part of Exeter Unified School District.
The state education department also named Three Rivers Elementary School, part of Three Rivers Union Elementary District, and Mountain View Elementary School in Visalia, part of Visalia Unified District, as Distinguished Schools.
Roosevelt Elementary is “dedicated to ensuring the academic success of every student and providing a safe and productive learning experience,” the school said on its website.
How did California select Distinguished Schools honorees?
To identify California Distinguished Schools recipients in 2025, the California Department of Education said it used multiple measures.
Schools were selected by analyzing data reported through the California School Dashboard, with a focus on demonstrating excellence and growth in academic achievement and ensuring a positive school climate.
This story was originally published April 1, 2025 at 2:17 PM.
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