Solano Avenue Elementary School Receives National Honor (1-8-2021)

Contact: Shannon Haber 213-393-1289

Solano Avenue Elementary School Receives National Honor

NESEA Distinguished School honor recognizes excellence in closing academic achievement gaps

LOS ANGELES (Jan. 8, 2021) – Solano Avenue Elementary School nestled in the Solano Canyon, near Dodger Stadium was named as a 2020 National Elementary and Secondary Education Act (NESEA) Distinguished School, one of two schools in California and 100 nationwide to receive the honor.

The 228-student school was recognized for excellence in closing the achievement gap between student groups and ensuring academic growth for students who need extra assistance.

“Congratulations to all in the Solano Avenue Elementary School community for your well-deserved recognition as a 2020 NESEA Distinguished School,” Superintendent Austin Beutner said.

Solano Avenue Elementary School was also named a 2020 California Distinguished School, the fifth time it received the honor. It previously was named a California Gold Ribbon and National Blue Ribbon School.

“I am proud of the hard work and focus on student achievement that Solano Avenue Elementary School has demonstrated over the years,” Local District East Superintendent Jose Huerta said. “They are deserving of this national recognition.”

The NESEA award was announced by State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond.

“Being recognized as a 2020 NESEA Distinguished School is a testament to the commitment and dedication of our entire Solano community to ensure that we remain focused on student learning,” Solano Avenue Elementary School Principal Jorge Parra said. “We thank our parents for their continued trust and support along with the leadership at our local district and our Community of Schools. This achievement is a result of the collaboration between our entire Solano Community to ensure the best education possible to our Solano Scholars.”

“We can realize the true promise of public education by unleashing the dreams of every child,” Board President Kelly Gonez said. “Thanks to the dedication of educators and staff, Solano Avenue Elementary School is doing just that — eliminating opportunity gaps and ensuring every student excels in their learning. Congratulations to the entire Solano community on this great honor.”

“What an honor for Solano Avenue Elementary School,” Board Member Dr. George J. McKenna III said.

“Solano Avenue Elementary School is an amazing and inspiring public school, in the heart of Los Angeles and Board District 2,” Board Member Mónica García said. “This recognition affirms the belief in every student’s ability to excel; in the ability of school staff to design and support learning and in families’ and stakeholders’ continuing partnership. Go Solano Owls!”

“Congratulations to Solano Avenue Elementary School for their achievement and well-deserved recognition,” Board Member Scott M. Schmerelson said. “I also want to thank our teachers and staff for serving our children every day, keeping them safe, and ensuring they reach their full potential.”

“Congratulations to the Solano Avenue Elementary school community,” Board Member Nick Melvoin said. “This incredible honor is a testament to what we can achieve for our students in LA Unified, and we are grateful for the hard work and dedication that led to a successful program so worthy of recognition.”

“This national recognition for Solano Avenue Elementary School is rewarding for that entire school community and Los Angeles Unified,” Board Member Jackie Goldberg said. “This award was formerly called Title I National Distinguished School, a recognition that the honor is reserved for excellence at schools with low-income enrollments and and students who need extra help.”

“Congratulations to everyone at Solano Avenue Elementary School for this national recognition of your sustained commitment to academic growth for historically marginalized students,” Board Member Tanya Ortiz Franklin said. “This evidence of your mission to learn, love and lead is truly an example to us all.”

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