Empowering Students and Communities Through High-Quality Education
Los Angeles, CA – April 2, 2025 – ISANA Academies is proud to announce that ISANA Cardinal Academy, ISANA Octavia Academy, and ISANA Palmati Academy have been recognized as 2025 California
Distinguished Schools by the California Department of Education. This prestigious honor highlights ISANA’s unwavering commitment to academic excellence and student success.
The California Distinguished Schools Program celebrates schools that excel in student performance and closing the achievement gap. State Superintendent Tony Thurmond emphasized the importance of this award, stating, “Excellent elementary schools play a critical role in the life outcomes of our young people.”
ISANA is honored to be recognized for its outstanding efforts in providing quality education and empowering students. Schools were selected based on data from the 2024 California School Dashboard,
focusing on academic achievement, growth, and positive school climate. Recognized schools fall into two categories:
- Closing the Achievement Gap: Schools demonstrating remarkable growth among historically
underserved student groups while maintaining strong outcomes for all students. - Exceptional Student Performance: Schools ranking among the highest in overall achievement,
student engagement, and positive learning environments.
“We are incredibly proud of this achievement and extend our deepest gratitude to our educators, staff, students, and families,” said Nadia Shaiq, CEO at ISANA Academies. “Their dedication and commitment to student success are what make this recognition possible. This recognition is particularly special for our majority Latino and African American student population, with 94% being identified as socioeconomically disadvantaged, 34.8% identified as English Learners, and 12.5% receiving Special Education services. This reaffirms our belief that every student, regardless of their background, deserves access to high-quality education and the opportunity to succeed.”
This achievement belongs to the entire ISANA community, underscoring our commitment to empowering every student to reach their full potential and achieve success. It also highlights the value of
public charter schools like ISANA, which provide students with the freedom to explore innovative learning methods and create equitable educational opportunities for all children.
For more information and to see the full list of recognized schools, please visit: SPI Announces 2025 CA Distinguished Schools – Year 2025 (CA Dept of Education)
About ISANA Academies:
Founded in 2005, ISANA is a nonprofit charter management organization that operates six high-quality, tuition-free public charter schools throughout Los Angeles County. We serve approximately 2,600 students from Transitional Kindergarten through 8th grade in Compton, Jefferson/Leimert Park, South
Los Angeles, Glassell Park, North Hollywood, and Sun Valley.
At ISANA, we are dedicated to empowering every member of our diverse school community to become
innovative, socially-aware, and collaborative leaders who will make our rapidly evolving world a better
place for all. For more information, visit www.isana.org.
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Media Contact: Itzel Magana, Communications Manager
Email: imagana@isana.org
