State Superintendent Tony Thurmond Celebrates Award-Winning Schools During the 2026 California School Recognition Program

ANAHEIM—On Friday, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond honored California schools and local educational agencies (LEAs) that have achieved statewide recognition within the last calendar year, including 408 California schools selected for the prestigious 2026 California Distinguished Schools Program. Superintendent Thurmond joined approximately 1,500 educators and school professionals from across the state at the awards ceremony on Friday, April 24, at the Disneyland Hotel.

“It was a thrill to meet educators and school professionals whose work is transforming lives across California and to celebrate their accomplishments,” said Superintendent Thurmond. “These schools represent the very best of what public education can achieve. Their commitment to student success is inspiring, and it’s an honor to recognize their extraordinary impact.”

The California Distinguished Schools Program recognizes three categories of exceptional schools: those closing the achievement gap, those demonstrating exceptional student performance, and those serving rural or Title I communities that distinguish themselves through high achievement across multiple student outcomes.

In addition to 2026 California Distinguished Schools, Superintendent Thurmond recognized the 2026 Exemplary Dual Enrollment Award Schools, 2026 Green Ribbon Schools Green Achievers, 2026 Exemplary Arts Education Award Schools, 2025 California Blue Ribbon School Nominees, and 2025 Civic Learning Award of Excellence and Distinction Schools.

Since its inception in 1985, the California School Recognition Program (CSRP) has remained a consistent and important way to celebrate exceptional schools, districts, teachers, and classified employees for their innovation, talent, and success in supporting students.

For more information on CSRP, please visit the CDE California School Recognition Program web page.

Members of the media can find publicly released images and video of the 2026 California School Recognition Program through official CDE social media accounts, including on Facebook and Instagram .

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Tony Thurmond — State Superintendent of Public Instruction
Communications Division, Room 5602, 916-319-0818, Fax 916-319-0100