Kindness certified schools commit to creating a culture of kindness at their schools, communities, and the world. They follow the Great Kindness Challenge and are honored for participating with a kindness certified designation.

Schools may apply to be recognized as bronze, silver, gold, or platinum PBIS schools. PBIS recognition award system is to identify schools that exemplify the highest levels of systems, data, and practices in their implementation of PBIS. PBIS award-level schools have easily identifiable characteristics and are consistent in their methods of maintaining organized team based planning; maintaining high levels of administrative involvement and support; and systematically collecting, reviewing, and applying data using a problem-solving process. These schools do a superior job of enhancing their school climate and culture in support of students and their academic achievement.

As stated on the California Department of Education website this award is “a former component of the California Department of Education (CDE) California School Recognition Program (CSRP), the California Gold Ribbon (GR) Schools Program was utilized for three years in place of the California Distinguished Schools (DS) Program while California transitioned to its new assessment and accountability system, the California School Dashboard. From 2015–2017, California recognized schools that demonstrated exemplary achievements with the California GR Schools Program. In 2018, the CDE transitioned from the California GR Schools Program back to the California DS Program.

Staying consistent with the California DS program, the California GR schools program recognized elementary and middle and high schools in alternate years and allowed eligible schools to apply for the California GR schools award once every two years. Schools recognized as a California GR school awardee hold the title for two years.” This award program is retired.

According to the California Department of Education web site this is “a former component of the California Department of Education (CDE) California School Recognition Program (CSRP), the Title I Academic Achievement Awards (AAA) was required by Section 1117 (b) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) of 2001. The Title I AAA honored schools met a variety of eligibility criteria including designated federal and state accountability measures based on Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) and Academic Performance Index (API) requirements.”

As stated on the California Department of Education website “the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program recognizes public and private elementary, middle, and high schools based on their overall academic excellence or their progress in closing achievement gaps among student subgroups. Originated by Secretary of Education Terrel H. Bell in 1982, the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program is an important part of the United States Department of Education (ED).

At least one-third of the public schools nominated by each state must be schools with a high percentage of students from disadvantaged backgrounds.