The State Department of Education designated seven North County schools as “Gold Ribbon Schools” on Tuesday. This honor temporarily replaces the California Distinguished Schools Program.

“These schools are academically successful, vibrant, and innovative centers of learning and teaching,” said Tom Torlakson, state superintendent of public instruction. “They provide great examples of the things educators are doing right — embracing rigorous academic standards, providing excellence and creativity in teaching, and creating a positive school climate.”