Santa Ynez Elementary School, in the College School District, is a recipient of the 2025 California Honor Roll Award by Educational Results Partnership (ERP) and the Campaign for Business and Education Excellence (CBEE).

Santa Ynez Elementary School is one of only two schools in the Santa Ynez Valley to be honored with this award, which recognizes success in closing achievement gaps and preparing students for college and career success, according to College School District.

The California Honor Roll, now in its 11th year, is part of a national effort to identify and recognize successful schools that have demonstrated consistently high levels of student academic achievement, improvement in achievement over time, and a reduction in achievement gaps.

This year, the annual ERP Honor Roll recognized 1,834 of California’s highest performing schools and 158 school districts, about 21 percent of all schools and districts in the state.

“Santa Ynez Elementary School’s inclusion on this list is a testament to its focus on data-driven instruction and a culture of continuous improvement,” the school district said.

College School District Superintendent Maurene Donner highlighted the collaborative effort that led to this recognition.

“We are honored to be recognized on the California Honor Roll by Educational Results Partnership,” Donner said. “This distinction reflects the collective effort of our dedicated teachers, staff, students and families who work together every day to ensure high levels of learning and achievement for all.

“Being named to the Honor Roll underscores our commitment to preparing students with the knowledge, character, and foundational skills they need to succeed in school, in the workforce, and in life.”

The Honor Roll program uses public data to evaluate schools based on college and career readiness metrics, including student performance on state assessments, high school graduation rates and college enrollment data.

“Business leaders are proud to recognize high performing schools that are equipping students with the fundamental skills that matter most to employers,” said Dan Kinney, ERP’s Board chair.

“Even as the world and the workforce rapidly change, these schools are helping students build strong foundations in critical thinking, communication and problem-solving – skills that will always be essential in any economy,” Kinney said.

The full list of 2025 Honor Roll schools and districts is now posted at: www.honorrollschools.com.

ERP is a nonprofit that applies data science and predictive analytics to identify successful public education systems, practices, programs and policies that deliver the best results for students.

ERP has accumulated the nation’s largest database on student achievement from kindergarten into the labor market.

In partnership with educators and employers, ERP charts the pathways that lead to academic success and living-wage jobs.

ERP’s goal is to ensure more students are equipped to enter the workforce with the skills today’s global economy demands. For more information, visit edresults.org.

College School District serves students on two campuses: College School, which houses preschool, transitional kindergarten and kindergarten; and Santa Ynez Elementary School, which enrolls grades one through eight.

Located at 3325 Pine St., Santa Ynez, College School District creates a safe, positive and engaging school climate, the district said.

A skilled team of professionals works in partnership with students, parents and the community, all dedicated to meeting the academic, behavioral and social-emotional needs of every student, according to College School District.