DOWNEY, CA – Los Angeles County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Debra Duardo congratulates Centennial and Dominguez High Schools from the Compton Unified School District for their selection as 2022–23 Exemplary Dual Enrollment Schools. The celebratory announcement was made February 9, 2023, by State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond and the California Department of Education (CDE).     

The newly created Exemplary Dual Enrollment Award publicly recognizes schools that provide students with opportunities to enroll in and earn college credits while in high school. California Exemplary Dual Enrollment schools mirror their student population and build collaborative relationships among their school communities in order to create quality and equity-driven dual enrollment programs.   

“Congratulations to these outstanding schools and especially to the teachers, staff, families, students and school communities,” said Los Angeles County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Debra Duardo. “We know that a whole child approach to education is essential for academic success. I applaud our schools for incorporating equitable participation to achieve a brighter future for our students and their families.”  

The two Los Angeles County schools were among nine schools from throughout the State designated as 2022–23 Exemplary Dual Enrollment Schools.  

The complete list of winning schools include:   

• Arvin High School, Kern High School District, Kern County  
• Avenal High School, Reef-Sunset Unified School District, Kings County  
• Centennial High School, Compton Unified School District, Los Angeles County  
• Delano High School, Delano Joint Unified High School District, Kern County  
• Dominguez High School, Compton Unified School District, Los Angeles County  
• McFarland High School Early College, McFarland Unified School District, Kern County  
• Mendocino High School, Mendocino Unified School District, Mendocino County  
• Rio Linda High School, Twin Rivers Unified School District, Sacramento County  
• Robert F. Kennedy High School, Delano Joint Union High School District, Kern County

“Congratulations to these schools for their incredible work providing students with a pathway to succeed in college and careers,” said State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond. “Dual enrollment programs lead to increased graduation rates, attendance, and college readiness—all while helping underrepresented groups succeed and closing opportunity gaps.” 

The award program encourages all California schools to strengthen and expand their dual enrollment offerings, particularly focusing on the inclusion of students of color, socioeconomically disadvantaged students, and students who are the first in the family to attend college. This is the first year that schools are being recognized for the award, and the California Department of Education (CDE) plans to make it an annual recognition program.

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The Los Angeles County Office of Education (LACOE) is the nation's largest regional education agency. LACOE supports and protects the education and well-being of LA County's nearly two million children through an equity lens. For more information, visit www.lacoe.edu.