Orange, CA – October 22, 2019 — California Elementary School, home to the iInspire Academy, where technology and language flourish!, is pleased ​to announce that it has been recognized as an Apple Distinguished School for 2019–2022 for its innovative utilization of iPad devices in a school-wide 24/7 Take Home Device program.

 Apple Distinguished Schools are centers of innovation, leadership, and educational excellence that use Apple products to inspire creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking. They showcase innovative uses of technology in learning, teaching, and the school environment and have documented results of academic accomplishment. 

“To be renewed as an Apple Distinguished School for a three year validation is a huge honor and recognition of the continuous growth in our students’ innovation and creativity,” stated Principal John Albert, Ed.D.  “Our entire community and staff have worked tirelessly to raise the bar for what 21st century learning should look and feel like in schools.” 

California Elementary School has a true American success story.  A vast majority of their students are first generation Americans, over 75% of the students are English Language Learners, and over 90% of the students qualify for the Free and/or Reduced Lunch Program.  The school has leveled the Technology Gap by providing all students a school issued iPad so students can access technology 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, with a fully integrated curriculum. 

In addition, the school has developed an innovative Dual Spanish Immersion Program, schoolwide coding integration, utilization of STEAM programs including robotics and coding drones, and an Inclusive Schooling Program where students thrive with technology integration. 

“California Elementary is a shining example of how innovative programs and technology-infused learning give our students the Orange Unified EDGE,” said Superintendent Gunn Marie Hansen, Ph.D. “Today’s students need to be prepared for jobs that don’t yet exist, and strong digital literacy skills are paramount to help them be future-ready.”

California Elementary School has been honored as a California Gold Ribbon School, Title I High Achieving School, an Apple Distinguished School from 2017-2019, and an Apple Distinguished School from 2019-2022. They have also received two California School Board Association Golden Bell Awards. 

The school community is very excited to continue their journey of leading in excellence and innovation for their students.