By Elyse Miller, News Channel 3 Reporter
emiller@kesq.com

INDIO -  Van Buren Elementary School in Indio is working to become a California Distinguished School. Although the school and the students once lagged behind, they now race ahead.

"We've made significant progress and significant growth," says Melinda Wallace, Principal of Van Buren Elementary School. "

Van Buren Elementary was selected to apply for distinguished school status.

"We've worked so hard to get where we are," says Wallace.

Distinguished schools must meet testing standards, federal goals and show improvement. Van Buren is doing all of the above, which isn't easy given the demographics.

"Most students come to us in kindergarten not knowing any English," says Wallace.

Ten years ago Van Buren Elementary had the lowest test scores out of all schools within Desert Sands Unified School District. Now, it's among the top. Test scores more than doubled. The school has improved more than any other school in Riverside County. The student population is still the same, the change comes in teaching, intervention programs and motivation.

"We have a very dedicated staff, all of their time is for the students," says Wallace. "

The students are aware of where they need to be.

"With all of these improvements, the school now hopes to can reach the distinguished title. " It's huge for the school and the community," says Wallace.

There's still a long application process ahead, results come out in March. In the meantime the students and teachers keep reaching for the top.

"We need to continue doing what we are doing a stay focused on learning," says Wallace.