Six CUSD secondary schools were named California Distinguished Schools by State Superintendent Tony Thurmond on Tuesday. CUSD has been honored with the award 86 times (35 elementary, 51 secondary). All six of the schools are repeat honorees (previous years listed in parenthesis)
- Arroyo Vista Middle School (2004)
- Bernice Ayer Middle School (2024, 2019, 2013, 2009, 2001)
- Capistrano Valley High School (1994)
- Las Flores Middle School (2024, 2009, 2005, 2001)
- Marco Forster Middle School (2001, 2024)
- Tesoro High School (2005)
The 2026 California Distinguished Schools recognition program aims to recognize exemplary instructional programs throughout California public schools, the largest public school system in the United States.
This year’s award categories build on long-standing recognition of the following two categories:
1) Exemplary High Achievers: Schools that are among the highest in the state in academic achievement for all students, which have also ensured that historically underserved student groups are maintaining or increasing academic progress.
2) Achievement Gap Closers: Schools that are accelerating academic progress for two or more groups that have been historically underserved, while also demonstrating achievement for all students that is above the state median and maintaining or increasing academic performance for all students.
This year, California Distinguished Schools added a third category of recognition:
3) Beacons of Opportunity: Schools serving rural and Title 1 school communities that distinguish themselves through multiple student outcomes at very high performance levels.
For years in which middle schools and high schools are eligible, the outcomes considered include graduation rates as well as rates of college and career readiness.
Eligibility for all categories is determined by metrics generated through the California statewide accountability system for public schools, the California School Dashboard. The 2026 California Distinguished Schools were determined using data from the 2025 California School Dashboard.
In keeping with statewide standards for accountability, schools must have at least 95 percent participation in statewide assessments to qualify for Distinguished School recognition. Schools may not earn recognition as a California Distinguished School if they have concerning school climate indicators, such as very high suspension or chronic absenteeism.