2018 Civic Learning Award Recipients

These top-scoring schools engage all students in high quality civic education in multiple ways. Chief Justice Tani G. Cantil-Sakauye personally visits schools earning the Awards of Excellence. Justices or judges of the appellate and superior courts visit schools receiving Awards of Distinction. New this year, learn from Award of Excellence schools, click webinar presentations below.

Excellence Awards

Chief Justice swears in student judges at El Camino Creek Elementary

Excellence Award - Elementary School

El Camino Creek Elementary School

Encinitas Union School District, San Diego County

Highlights:  This elementary school is a "Justice School" where all students participate in mock trials and the school has a mock courtroom.

Webinar Presentation
Highlights & Resources

For more information contact: Principal Jodi Greenberger

Chief Justice speaks to Oak Grove Middle School students and parents

Excellence Award - Middle School

Oak Grove Middle School

Jamul-Dulzura Union School District, San Diego County

Highlights: A semester long celebration of learning that begins on Constitution Day and culminates with a "We the People" simulated Congressional Hearing.

Webinar Presentation
Highlights & Resources

For more information contact: Principal Minerva Salas

Chief Justice with students and teachers at John Marshall Fundament HS

Excellence Award - High School

John Marshall Fundamental Secondary School

Pasadena Unified School District, Los Angeles County

Highlights: The entire school participates in an annual Innovation Project; students develop models, report and orally defend their work on a relevant civic issue, with the best ideas taken forward for possible implementation with industry professionals.

Webinar Presentation
Highlights & Resources

For more information, contact: Principal Mark Anderson

Distinction Awards

Justice McConnell presents Civic Learning Award at Flora Vista Elementary

Distinction Award - Elementary School

Flora Vista Elementary School

Encinitas Union School District, San Diego County

Highlights: All students read the novel Journey to Topaz and participate in a mock trial related to the Japanese Internment, as part of a larger curriculum that connects classroom literature to civic education.

For more information, contact: Principal Chris Juarez

Justice Lui with students at Laurel Elementary School

Distinction Award - Elementary School

Laurel Street School

Compton Unified School District, Los Angeles County

Highlights: Civic learning is integrated across the curriculum. In 5th grade students read Pay It Forward which led to students learning about the foster youth system and motivated them to organize a fundraiser for a non-profit organization that supports foster youth.

For more information, contact: Principal Francisca Owoaje

Justice Robie visits Rio Linda Preparatory Academy

Distinction Award - Middle School

Rio Linda Preparatory Academy

Rio Linda Unified School District, Sacramento County

Highlights: Current events and controversial issues are discussed and analyzed on a daily basis. Students often delve into news that impacts their lives, such as the drought. In science class, students developed a plan to save water from water main flushing in their town.

For more information, contact: Principal Cindy Harrison

Justice McConnell at South Junior High School

Distinction Award - Middle School

South Junior High School

Anaheim Union High School District, Orange County

Highlights: The history department begins the school year with students creating and administering a community needs assessment. Students then research and design their own projects to address local issues such as their homeless crisis.

For more information, contact: Principal Enrique Romero

Justice Gilbert talks with students at Adolfo Camarillo HS

Distinction Award - High School

Adolfo Camarillo High School

Oxnard Union High School District, Ventura County

Highlights:  Civics is embedded throughout the History-Social Science curriculum. Democracy and elections are key topics. Sophomores participate in mock trials of Louis XVI and German war crimes, and juniors research, debate, and report on State Propositions.

For more information, contact: Principal Kim Stephenson

Distinction Award - High School

East Palo Alto Academy

Sequoia Union High School District, San Mateo County

Highlights:  Every year students complete a cumulative Exhibition project.  For example, in the junior year students do an depth study of a 20th century social movement, exploring how it connects to society today and to their own lives.

For more information, contact: Principal Amika Guillaume