Six Conejo Valley Unified School District schools have been recognized by the state as going above and beyond the ordinary in preparing children for the future.

Colina, Los Cerritos and Redwood middle schools and Newbury Park, Thousand Oaks and Westlake high schools were all named 2009 California Distinguished Schools.

"These six schools are being recognized for the accumulations of accomplishments over many years," said CVUSD Superintendent Mario Contini. "They exemplify all of the outstanding schools we have in the Conejo Valley Unified School District."

State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O'Connell released the names of 261 middle and high schools selected as 2009 California Distinguished Schools last week.

"These extraordinary middle and high schools have shown they are able to increase the achievement of all their students and have provided evidence that they are closing the achievement gaps that, unfortunately, exist at many schools," said O'Connell.

"California Distinguished Schools must meet the challenge of providing all their students with a rigorous education and to fully prepare today's students for success in postsecondary education or the work force," O'Connell said.

The selected schools represent about 10 percent of California's nearly 2,400 middle and high schools.

"It's very gratifying to be recognized for excellence in particular at a time when we are facing so many challenges statewide in education," said Athol Wong, principal at NPHS. "Newbury Park High School is an excellent school blessed with amazing students, supportive parents and— most especially—a skilled, dedicated and caring staff."

Redwood Principal Lou Lichtl agreed.

"The California Distinguished Schools award validates the efforts of our staff, the high achievement of our student body and the support that we enjoy from our parent and business community," Lichtl said. "It's an honor for our school community to be recognized by the California Department of Education and is indicative of our commitment to continuous improvement while closing the achievement gap between our highest performing and underperforming students."

O'Connell called each school's principal to personally share the news, and he noted that some thought the call was an April Fools' joke.

He said all the named schools are "incredible" and have "dedicated teachers, hardworking principals and successful students."

The schools will be designated as California Distinguished Schools until 2013. Ten of the schools are in Ventura County.

"It's an honor to be associated with all of our dedicated educators here in Ventura County," said Stanley C. Mantooth, county superintendent of schools. "Being singled out as a California Distinguished School is a hard-earned accomplishment. I join their communities in congratulating them on their achievement."

To be considered, schools had to provide a description of two "signature" practices that are replicable by other schools and directly related to the success of their students. For example, Redwood described its AVID program and Intervention Model, both credited for closing the achievement gap at the school.

During an evaluation by a team of educators, the practices were observed and validated; the information will be incorporated into a website, "Brokers of Expertise," later this year.

Los Cerritos Principal Elly Love expressed appreciation that the middle school was recognized.

"We have a great school, and I'm glad that's clear to others, especially total strangers that visit for a short time and see the great programs we have here for our students," said Love.

Los Cerritos highlighted its peer academic coaching model.

"It's a great way for trained students to help each other with school and organizational skills," Love said. "We've seen a lot of academic and personal growth with all the students involved. We're very proud of them and of the program."

The schools will be honored May 29 at an awards ceremony and dinner at the Disneyland Hotel in Anaheim. Corporate, foundation and association donations, as well as the attending schools' registration fees, pay for the event.

For more information about the California School Recognition Program, visit www.cde.ca.gov.