Merced has 2 of the best elementary schools in CA. Does your child go to one?
Two Merced County elementary schools are among the best places to learn in California, according to state officials.
The California Department of Education recently recognized a total of 336 elementary schools across the state as part of its 2025 California Distinguished Schools Program, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond announced on Tuesday, March 25.
Created in 1985, the Distinguished Schools program recognizes two types of “exceptional schools” — schools that are “closing the achievement gap” and those that demonstrate “exceptional student performance,” the state education department said in a news release.
It’s one of California’s “most important ways to celebrate exceptional schools, districts, teachers and classified employees for their innovation, talent and success in supporting students, the release said.
Here’s who made the list:
What makes Merced elementary schools best in state?
In Merced County, Grasslands Elementary School in Los Banos and Pioneer Elementary School in Merced were recognized as California Distinguished Schools in 2025.
“Excellent elementary schools play a critical role in the life outcomes of our young people,” Thurmond said in the release, praising the “hard work of our elementary educators and school staff who help our students discover passions and experiences that will propel them.”
Grasslands Elementary, 1951 Mission Drive in Los Banos, has a total of 892 students in kindergarten through sixth grade, according to school ranking site Niche. The school is part of Los Banos Unified School District,
“This award celebrates our school’s commitment to academic excellence and creating a positive learning environment for ALL students,” Grasslands Elementary representatives wrote in a social media post on Friday, March 28. “From our dedicated teachers and staff to our amazing students and supportive families, this achievement belongs to our entire Grasslands community!“
On the Grasslands Elementary website, school principal Margarita Ordunez said that the school focuses on implementing a “culture where all students feel successful, safe and welcomed at school every day.”
Pioneer Elementary, which is part of Weaver Union School District, also earned recognition.
The school at 2950 East Gerard Ave. in Merced has a total of 1,126 students in kindergarten through fifth grade, according to Niche.
“While we have all known for years that Pioneer is an exceptional school, this award recognizes and celebrates the hard work and dedication of the entire staff,” Mike Weber, superintendent of Weaver Union School District, wrote in a news release
All 2025 Distinguished Schools recipients will be formally recognized at a special ceremony at the Disneyland Hotel in Anaheim on May 30, the release said.
How did elementary schools get chosen?
To identify California Distinguished Schools honorees in 2025, the California Department of Education said used multiple measures
Schools were selected by analyzing data reported through the California School Dashboard, with a focus on demonstrating excellence and growth in academic achievement and ensuring a positive school climate.
This story was originally published April 1, 2025 at 12:44 PM.
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