On Friday, May 30, the California Department of Education honored three Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District (PYLUSD) schools—Golden Elementary, Lakeview Elementary, and Sierra Vista Elementary—with the prestigious title of 2025 California Distinguished Schools. The recognition ceremony took place at the Disneyland Hotel in Anaheim, celebrating schools across the state for their exceptional commitment to student achievement and educational excellence.
This distinction is the highest honor California bestows upon K-12 campuses and recognizes outstanding performance in two categories: Closing the Achievement Gap and Exceptional Student Performance. Schools are selected through a rigorous analysis of the 2024 California School Dashboard, which measures academic growth and school climate. Out of the thousands of schools statewide, only 336 schools in California—including 44 in Orange County—earned this distinguished title in 2025.
Notably, these three PYLUSD schools are no strangers to the honor. Golden Elementary previously earned the designation in 2020, 2018, 2014, and 2006; Lakeview Elementary was recognized in 2023, 2014, and 2008; and Sierra Vista Elementary received the honor in 2016 and 2011.
As part of the celebration, the principals of each school—Mrs. Kristin McDonald of Golden, Mrs. Stephanie Given of Lakeview, and Mrs. Debra Kojima of Sierra Vista—were recognized for their exemplary leadership and the collaborative efforts of their school communities.
At Golden Elementary, Principal Kristin McDonald emphasized the school’s strong culture of excellence, collaboration, and high expectations.
“This recognition reflects our unwavering commitment to a culture of excellence, where students are empowered to succeed and failure is not an option,” she shared. “Our dedicated teachers, staff, and families work collaboratively to ensure all learners thrive, setting ambitious goals like achieving 92% proficiency or above in both ELA and Math this year.”
Golden’s instructional model includes Professional Learning Communities (PLCs), AVID implementation, WIN Time (What I Need Time), and robust Student Success Teams (SST) and PBIS systems—all contributing to a high-achieving, nurturing environment. With a 96% attendance rate and a strong partnership with families and PTA, Golden continues to shine. Go Eagles!
At Lakeview Elementary, Principal Stephanie Given credited the school’s second consecutive Distinguished School title to the strength of its unified community.
“This achievement is a testament to the ongoing dedication and collaboration of our educational partners—students, staff, and families,” she said. “Together, we hold high expectations for quality teaching and learning and support the whole child to ensure every Lion has a rigorous and relevant learning experience.”
Lakeview’s commitment to excellence is reflected in its small but mighty parent community, ongoing teacher development, cross-grade collaboration, and student-centered approach. The school embodies its mission to develop positively contributing citizens. Go Lions!
At Sierra Vista Elementary, Principal Debra Kojima expressed pride in the school’s culture of growth, data-informed instruction, and student-centered support.
“We are absolutely thrilled and honored that Sierra Vista has been named a California Distinguished School,” she said. “This recognition is truly a testament to the dedication of our students, staff, and families in fostering a culture of excellence and growth.”
Sierra Vista emphasizes data-driven decision making, attendance campaigns like the Attendance All Stars Challenge, and a strong, evolving PBIS system designed to ensure every student feels valued and supported. Go Eagles!
PYLUSD proudly congratulates the students, staff, and families of Golden, Lakeview, and Sierra Vista Elementary Schools on this outstanding achievement. Their continued pursuit of excellence exemplifies the very best in public education.
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