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District Information » Awards & Recognitions

Awards & Recognitions

The Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District is proud to be consistently ranked among the top school districts in California. Our district and schools are regularly recognized at the state and national level for academic excellence, innovation, and a strong commitment to student success.
 
These honors reflect the dedication of our educators, the support of our families, and the high expectations shared by our community. 
 
Keep reading for more details on PVPUSD’s awards and recognitions.
National Blue Ribbon School Seal
Blue Ribbon Schools 
  • 2024: Palos Verdes High School
The U.S. Department of Education formerly selected Blue Ribbon Schools annually either for exemplary performance in academics or for closing achievement gaps among various student groups. As an Exemplary High Performing School, PVHS received the Blue Ribbon designation for being among the top performers in the State of California as measured by state assessments. The program was discontinued in 2025.
 
California Distinguished Schools
California Distinguished Schools
  • 2024: Palos Verdes Intermediate School
  • 2025: Cornerstone Elementary, Silver Spur Elementary, and Montemalaga Elementary
California Distinguished Schools are selected by the California Department of Education based on key performance indicators from the California School Dashboard, including academic excellence, student growth, and school culture. To qualify, schools must demonstrate high achievement in English language arts and mathematics, and also meet attendance and school culture benchmarks.
 
ERPHR Award Picture
 
 
Educational Results Partnership Badge
Educational Results Partnership Honor Roll 
  • 2024
  • 2025
The Educational Results Partnership Honor Roll recognizes public schools, school districts, and charter schools that have outperformed their peers in closing achievement gaps, particularly among higher-poverty and historically disadvantaged student populations.
 
The district was listed on the Honor Roll in 2024 and 2025. Ten district schools also earned individual recognition on the 2025 Honor Roll: Palos Verdes Peninsula High, Palos Verdes Intermediate, Ridgecrest Intermediate, Mira Catalina Elementary, Montemalaga Elementary, Cornerstone Elementary, Rancho Vista Elementary, Silver Spur Elementary, Soleado Elementary, and Vista Grande Elementary.
 
America’s Healthiest Schools Badge
America’s Healthiest Schools
  • 2025: All-Star Award for Cornerstone Elementary, Dapplegray Elementary, Palos Verdes Peninsula High School, and Palos Verdes High School
  • 2025: All PVPUSD schools named among America’s Healthiest Schools
Fifteen PVPUSD schools were recognized as among America’s Healthiest Schools for 2025 by the National Children’s Health Organization, Alliance for a Healthier Generation. The national list honors schools for advancing whole-child health through evidence-based policies and practices.
 
In 2025, four campuses—Cornerstone Elementary, Dapplegray Elementary, Palos Verdes Peninsula High School, and Palos Verdes High School—earned the All-Star distinction for meeting standards in all nine categories. The district’s remaining 11 schools were recognized for achievements in one or more areas.
 
America's Healthiest School PVPUSD Winners
Green Ribbon Schools Logo
Green Ribbon School District
  • 2024
The Green Ribbon School District award from the California Department of Education recognizes school districts for excellence in resource efficiency, health and wellness, and environmental and sustainability education. 
 
Applications for the award are evaluated using three pillars, which include reducing environmental impacts and costs, providing effective environmental education, and improving the health and wellness of schools, students, and staff.
 
Communication Awards
 
PVPUSD’s communication efforts have been recognized by professional organizations at the state and national level. 
California School Public Relations Association (CalSPRA)
 
National School Public Relations Association (NSPRA)