The San Marino Unified School District has, for a remarkable 18th consecutive year, been ranked as the top unified school district in the state of California, it was announced Wednesday.
This is the third straight year SMUSD has recorded the highest percentage of students meeting and exceeding standards on the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress, or CAASPP – a computer-adaptive standardized test administered to all public school students in grades third through eighth and 11th.
Prior to the CAASPP, the district had ranked first among unified school districts for fifteen consecutive years due to its high percentage of students meeting and exceeding state standards as reflected by the Academic Performance Index, or API.
“I would like to congratulate the San Marino Unified School District for once again being ranked number one in the state in English and Math,” School Board President Joseph Chang said. “Consistent achievement is a sign of truly rare greatness. This success is only possible by hardworking students, incredible parental support and the dedicated teachers and staff.”
The test scores were scheduled to be released three weeks ago, but were recalled by the state. Among those tested in the San Marino Unified School District, 90% met or exceeded standards in English Language Arts and 86% met or exceeded standards in Math – both state highs – for an average of 88%. Piedmont and La Cañada were tied for second place with an average of 85%.
“This is truly an incredible accomplishment,” Superintendent Dr. Alex Cherniss said. “Year after year, we are gratified to see that our education strategies and high-caliber teaching result in demonstrated academic success at all levels. I would like to thank our amazing teachers for leading the way and our outstanding students for their hard work and dedication. The entire San Marino community should celebrate this success.”
