County Middle and High Schools Recognized as 2026 California Distinguished Schools

Thirty-one San Diego County middle and high schools have been selected for the prestigious 2026 California Distinguished Schools Program, the state’s recognition program that highlights exemplary instructional programs across the state. The local campuses are among only 408 in the state to earn this recognition. 

The Distinguished Schools Program recognizes three categories of exceptional schools: those closing the achievement gap; those demonstrating exceptional student performance; and new this year, schools serving rural and Title 1 school communities that distinguish themselves through multiple student outcomes at very high performance levels.

The exceptional middle and high schools recognized this year are illustrative of the persistence and promise of California’s students, educators, and schools. 

2026 California Distinguished Schools in San Diego County 

• Escondido Union – Quantum Academy
• Grossmont Union High – Helix High School
• Poway Unified – Oak Valley Middle School
• Ramona City Unified – Ramona High School
• Rancho Santa Fe Elementary – R. Roger Rowe Middle School
• San Diego County Office of Education – High Tech High Mesa
• San Diego County Office of Education – High Tech Middle North County
• San Diego Unified – Challenger Middle School
• San Diego Unified – Correia Middle School
• San Diego Unified – De Portola Middle School
• San Diego Unified – East Village Middle College High School
• San Diego Unified – High Tech High International
• San Diego Unified – Kearny College Connections
• San Diego Unified – Magnolia Science Academy San Diego
• San Diego Unified – Mira Mesa High School
• San Diego Unified – Mission Bay High School
• San Diego Unified – Muirlands Middle School
• San Diego Unified – Pershing Middle School
• San Diego Unified – Preuss School UCSD
• San Diego Unified – School for Entrepreneurship and Technology
• San Diego Unified – Scripps Ranch High School
• San Diego Unified – Standley Middle School
• San Dieguito Union High – Canyon Crest Academy
• San Dieguito Union High – Diegueno Middle School
• San Dieguito Union High – La Costa Canyon High School
• San Dieguito Union High – Pacific Trails Middle School
• San Marcos Unified – San Elijo Middle School
• SBE - College Preparatory Middle – College Preparatory Middle School
• Sweetwater Union High – Bonita Vista Senior High School
• Sweetwater Union High – Eastlake High School
• Vista Unified – Mission Vista High School

About the Distinguished Schools Program

Since its inception in 1985, the California Distinguished Schools Award remains one of the state’s most important ways to celebrate exceptional schools, districts, teachers, and classified employees for their innovation, talent, and success in supporting students.

Schools need not apply for California Distinguished Schools, as every school’s data is automatically considered in alternating years. Further, elementary schools and kindergarten through 8th-grade schools were considered in 2025 and will next be considered in 2027. Middle schools and high schools are being considered in 2026 and will next be considered in 2028. 

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.