Robert Semple received the California Distinguished School Award in 1999 & 2004

Robert Semple Elementary School is located in historic Benicia, a unique 150 year old community of 28,000, located in the hills by the Carquinez Straits in Northern California.  Named after one of its founders, Robert Semple, the city celebrates its history as well as embracing its future.  It has an active artist community that contributes positively to the town, the District and to Robert Semple in particular.  The town values learning as evidenced by the attractive well used library located in the center of town.  The beautifully maintained park system for hiking and recreation, the creation of a skateboard park, an attractive and accessible waterfront, and extensive athletic facilities emphasize Benicia's commitment to children and families.
    Benicia Unified has four elementary schools, one middle school, one comprehensive high school and one alternative high school.  Our school's community consists of mainly small single-family dwellings built in the fifties but also incorporates low-income Federal Housing Authority apartments.  Twenty five percent of students qualify for free and reduced lunch.  The average educational level of our parents is two years of college.  We have a combination of single and double income families and welcome parent involvement in our school.  Parents volunteer over 6,500 hours of time each year.
    In a town of expansive vistas, Benicia Unified School District looks across its horizons toward the long term well being of its students.  It has a long standing history of academic excellence.  Scoring consistently above the test scores of comparable school districts, it also reliably receives the highest test scores in Solano County.  All the elementary schools, including Semple have an API of over 800.  Robert Semple student performance is consistent with this pattern of high achievement with an API of 815 in 2003.  We raised our Economically Disadvantaged Student scores by 157 points in 5 years.
    Our parents have been remarkable.  For every event and activity that they sponsor, they plan a way for each child to participate, insuring that our lower income children are included and valued.  They have initiated many wonderful programs including the Art Docent Program, Art Day, Harvest Day Festival, The Book Exchange, Kids Connection, and Read At Home.  This is truly a community school that works together for the good of all.  Walk down our halls and visit our classrooms; you will find no evidence that we are in a budget crisis.  You will see exceptional education, academic excellence and a nurturing community.