Olivenhain Pioneer was selected as a California Distinguished School in 1997 and 2004.

Olivenhain Pioneer was awarded the National Blue Ribbon in 2001.

Since 1982 the Blue Ribbon Schools Program has celebrated many of America's most successful schools. A Blue Ribbon flag waving overhead has become a trademark of excellence, a symbol of quality recognized by everyone from parents to policy-makers in thousands of communities.

The emerging secret of the Blue Ribbon Schools Program is its power to stimulate and focus school improvement initiatives. "The Blue Ribbon nomination package pulls together what is cutting edge in education today," says one educator. " The school that goes through the process is examining itself in terms of what works in the best schools in the country."

The Blue Ribbon Schools Program promotes and supports the improvement of education in America by:

• identifying and recognizing schools that are models of excellence and equity, schools that demonstrate a strong commitment to educational excellence for all students,
• making research based, self-assessment criteria available to schools looking for a way to reflect on how they are doing,
• encouraging schools, both within and among themselves, to share information about best practices which is based on a shared understanding of the standards which demonstrate educational success.

California Distinguished School
Initiated in 1985, the California Distinguished Schools Program honors elementary and secondary schools in alternate years. The schools selected as 2004 Distinguished Schools were honored for serving as  outstanding examples of successful teaching and learning, high standards for all students, strong family and community involvement, partnerships with the business community, safe and clean school environments, and modern technology.

This Distinguished School honor is extended to select schools in the state of California. In order to receive this award, the school staff must complete an extensive application indicating how the school meets specified criteria.  Through a thorough review of these applications, the top schools are selected for a site visit by a review team. Approximately 225 schools from all elementary schools in the state of California are award this honor ever other year.  Once selected as a California Distinguished School, the school cannot apply again for four years.