Overview

On March 10, 2026, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond announced the selection of 408 middle schools and high schools for the 2026 California Distinguished Schools Program. This program recognizes exceptional schools based on exemplary student outcomes and has been a significant method of celebrating educational excellence since its inception in 1985.

The 2026 California Distinguished Schools will be honored alongside other prestigious recognitions at an event scheduled for April 24, 2026, at the Disneyland Hotel in Anaheim.

Key details

  • 408 schools have been selected for the 2026 California Distinguished Schools Program.
  • The program acknowledges schools that achieve exemplary student outcomes.
  • California's Distinguished Schools Award has been in place since 1985.
  • Recognition categories include: Exemplary High Achievers, Achievement Gap Closers, and Beacons of Opportunity.
  • Exemplary High Achievers focus on high academic achievement for all students, including historically underserved groups.
  • Achievement Gap Closers accelerate progress for historically underserved groups while ensuring overall student achievement remains above the state median.
  • Beacons of Opportunity recognize schools in rural and Title 1 communities with high performance across multiple student outcomes.
  • Eligibility is determined by metrics from the California School Dashboard.
  • Schools must have at least 95% participation in statewide assessments to qualify.
  • Schools with concerning climate indicators, such as high suspension rates, are not eligible for recognition.
  • Middle and high schools are considered in 2026, while elementary schools were considered in 2025 and will be next in 2027.
  • Schools do not need to apply; their data is automatically evaluated every other year.

Context

The California Distinguished Schools Program serves as a vital recognition of the hard work and dedication of educators and school communities across the state, emphasizing the importance of public education in transforming lives.

What happens next

The selected schools will be formally recognized at a ceremony on April 24, 2026, where they will join other award recipients in celebrating their achievements.

What we don't know yet

Details regarding the specific criteria used to evaluate the selected schools beyond the provided metrics are not confirmed. Additionally, the complete list of the 408 distinguished schools is not included in this summary.