Annually, schools in California and across the country are ranked and awarded based on a variety of factors, including grades, test scores and more. Oak Park High School, as of this week, was once again named as part of the 2021 California Distinguished Schools with an overall score of 97.24 out of 100. 

“The California Department of Education (CDE) identifies and awards eligible schools based on performance and progress on state indicators specified on the California School Dashboard, the state’s accountability, and continuous improvement system. Indicators include test scores, suspension rates, and conditions, and climate,” Oak Park Unified School District wrote via a ParentSquare and StudentSquare Post.

OPHS has a history of being named as a distinguished school as this is the third year the district has earned this ranking throughout the past eight years, in 2013, 2019 and 2021. The award is given to schools every two years, meaning that OPHS has been rewarded with this title two years consecutively.

“We do not go out of our way to try to meet these award criteria,” OPHS Principal Kevin Buchanan said. “Our belief is that if we continue to create an environment where students have opportunities to be successful, we are accomplishing our mission.  We are grateful for the recognition from the California Department of Education and the U.S. News and World Report.”

OPHS students and staff have all played a role in earning these rankings for the district that are not easy to earn, according to Superintendent Dr. Tony Knight. The work put in by members of the Oak Park community has served a role in acquiring said titles.

“These distinctions are the results of the efforts of the OPHS staff, students and parents who deserve all the credit. Our learning community is committed to academic and all-around excellence and to providing all of our students with opportunities to maximize their potential. Of course, we are also fortunate to have an incredible community of parents who support our efforts … I am leaving OPHS with a smile and know that [our school] is well poised for a successful full return to school in the fall and I’m looking forward senior week,” Buchanan said.