On Tuesday, Tony Thurmond, the State Superintendent of Public Instruction, honored California schools and local educational agencies, including seven schools in the Santa Clarita Valley.

Thurmond honored the schools and agencies that have achieved statewide recognition within the last calendar year, including 408 California schools selected for the prestigious 2026 California Distinguished Schools Program. 

Of the California schools selected, the seven Santa Clarita Valley schools were the Academy of the Canyons, Castaic Middle School, La Mesa Junior High School, and the Canyon, Castaic, Saugus, and West Ranch High Schools.

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

The California School Recognition Program 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 since 1985.

“It was a thrill to meet educators and school professionals whose work is transforming lives across California and to celebrate their accomplishments,” Thurmond said. “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.”

Santa Clarita residents are encouraged to check the California School Recognition Program’s website for more information.

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