Arcadia Unified’s Camino Grove and Longley Way Elementary Schools Named 2025 California Distinguished Schools
Longley Way staff on the first day of the 2024-25 school year
Arcadia Unified School District elementary schools, Camino Grove and Longley Way, join a coveted list of less than 3.5% of public elementary schools from across the state to earn recognition from the California Department of Education (CDE) as a 2025 California Distinguished School. This annual recognition program honors schools that close the achievement gap and demonstrate exceptional student performance.
"We are beyond thrilled to celebrate two of our elementary schools receiving this exclusive honor,” Arcadia Unified Superintendent Dr. David Vannasdall said. “I’m incredibly proud of all of our principals, teachers, students, staff, and parents who really work together in so many innovative ways to help our children thrive in school each day.”
The California Department of Education explained that its process in selecting schools to be recognized in this year’s program included analyzing data reported through the 2024 Dashboard, with a focus on demonstrating excellence and growth in academic achievement and ensuring a positive school climate.
Longley Way students participating in small group instruction
"Being named a California Distinguished School is a tremendous honor. I am deeply grateful for the tireless dedication of our staff and school community. The unwavering commitment to building a community of learners and leaders is reflected by this recognition,” Longley Way Principal Lorie Felippa shared. “Together, we will continue to cultivate a positive school environment, empowering each Lion to thrive.”
Camino Grove faculty, staff, PTA leaders, district administration and Board of Education members during annual Board Learning Walk
“Receiving the California Distinguished School award is a true honor and a reflection of the collective effort it takes to impact all students. From our Board of Education to our dedicated school site teams and parents, it’s an all-hands-on-deck approach—refining core instruction, embracing continuous learning, and partnering with our students and families. I’m proud to do this meaningful work with the AUSD community,” Camino Grove Principal Dr. Renee Costarella said.
“Our theme this year is “Celebrating Healthy Partnerships,” and we are excited to continue collaborating to create cutting-edge, safe, and innovative learning environments that align with the exceptional teaching and learning taking place at all of our campuses,” Dr. Vannasdall said in reflecting on this recognition.
Camino Grove Elementary teachers reflecting on their data chats that help refine each student’s learning experience
Since the California Department of Education (CDE) founded the California Distinguished Schools program in 1985, every Arcadia Unified elementary and middle school has been named a California Distinguished School at least once. Most recently, First Avenue Middle School received this prestigious honor. Additionally, all six of Arcadia Unified’s elementary schools—Baldwin Stocker, Camino Grove, Highland Oaks, Holly Avenue, Hugo Reid, and Longley Way—as well as Arcadia Unified’s alternative learning program, Rancho Learning Center, earned historic concurrent recognition in 2023.
Arcadia Unified continues to solidify its position as a beacon of educational excellence, once again being ranked in the top 1% of school districts and best places to teach across America according to Niche's 2025 rankings.
The California Distinguished Schools Program recognizes elementary schools and middle and high schools in alternate years, which means honorees hold their California Distinguished School title for two years.
For more information about the California Distinguished Schools program, visit cde.ca.gov, and for additional information on Camino Grove and Longley Way elementary schools, visit cg.ausd.net and lw.ausd.net, respectively.