The California Department of Education announced this morning that 2009 California Standards Tests (CSTs) results indicate the San Marino Unified School District has earned a district Academic Performance Index (API) score of 952 out of a possible 1000. The SMUSD also met all Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) benchmark indicators required by the federal No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB). Therefore, the SMUSD has once again earned the distinction as California's highest performing unified school district.

The API is a single number, ranging from a low of 200 to a high of 1000, which reflects a school's, and a district's performance level, based on the results of statewide testing. The API is calculated by converting a student's performance on statewide assessments across multiple content areas into points on the API scale. These points are then averaged across all students and all tests. Its purpose is to measure the academic performance and growth of schools. The API was established by the Public School Accountability Act, a landmark state law passed in 1999 that created a new academic accountability system for K-12 public schools in California.

The 2009 top six scoring unified school districts in California include San Marino USD (Los Angeles County) with an API of 952, La Canada USD (Los Angeles County) with an API of 926, Piedmont City USD (Alameda County) with an API of 922, Palo Alto USD (Santa Clara County) with an API of 920, Manhattan Beach USD (Los Angeles County) with an API of 915, San Ramon Valley USD (Contra Costa County) with an API of 914, and Arcadia USD (Los Angeles County) with an API of 912.

"We are proud of our teachers and our classified staff members who support our students and our families in exceptional ways. We understand our good fortune is a result of a team effort. Our community continues to stand tall in support of our schools and we thank each and every person for helping us maintain our excellence. I am extremely proud of this effort!" commented SMUSD Superintendent, Gary W. Woods.

As SMUSD Board President, Jeanie Caldwell, proclaimed, "On behalf of the Board of Education, we are extremely pleased and proud of our students, staff and community.  Their ongoing commitment to the obtainment of a world class education is reflected in these scores.  What I'm most proud of, however, is that our education opportunities produce students who are great citizens.  The API is but one measure of our extraordinary students."

Dr. Gary McGuigan, SMUSD Director of Instructional Services added, "Every year we have improved our District API score. Our API growth score of 952 attests to not only the overall excellence of the academic program, but also to the intellectual growth made by students during their years in the San Marino USD.  Our students, faculty, and support staff are to be commended for their hard work and dedication.  It truly is a team effort!"

As the State's top performing unified school district for six consecutive years, there is no doubt the SMUSD and the San Marino Community are committed to protecting and preserving "a legacy of excellence" for all current and future students of the SMUSD.