Ripon’s K-8 Colony Oak School is one of four California Distinguished Schools in two counties – San Joaquin and Stanislaus.

Principal Amy Carter made the announcement this morning crediting her teachers for their enthusiasm in the classrooms making it the second time the rural Murphy Road campus has been recognized for the presentation of their curriculum and the performance of their students.

Carter said that despite the depressed economy and the shortage of educational funding, the teachers have continued to put the welfare and the education of their children first and foremost.

Colony Oak was among the top California schools in 2006 under the leadership of Principal Mary Lou Kahl. Carter said that she and her teachers are working hard to carry on the former longtime principal’s tradition of excellence.

The other three schools included Coleman F. Brown Elementary in Modesto. The Walnut Elementary Education Center in Turlock and the Aspire Summit Charter Academy in Ceres.