San Diego County Schools Among the Healthiest in the Nation

More than 50 San Diego County schools were recognized as some of the nation’s healthiest schools when national children’s health organization Alliance for a Healthier Generation unveiled its 2025 list of America’s Healthiest Schools. 

Fifty-seven San Diego County schools from six districts received the honor and were recognized alongside an unprecedented 1,120 K-12 schools nationwide for their commitment to advancing whole child health. 

"Schools play a crucial role in positively shaping the health and well-being of our nation's youth, and they deserve national recognition for their outstanding efforts," said Kathy Higgins, CEO of Healthier Generation. "The dedication of school leaders, educators, and staff to support the physical, emotional, and academic needs of their students is nothing short of extraordinary. Their commitment is creating healthier futures for children and communities alike."

Healthier Generation’s annual award program recognizes schools for implementing evidence-based policies and practices to support academic success and lifelong well-being. Supporters include Del Monte Foods, Kaiser Permanente, and Kohl’s Cares.

Schools are recognized in nine topic areas, including Nutrition and Food Access, Physical Education and Activity, School Health Services, Staff Well-Being, and Family and Community Engagement. Among the awardees, 168 earned an All-Star distinction by meeting recognition criteria in all nine topics, more than doubling the number of All-Stars (66) in the previous school year. Honorees hail from 34 states and the District of Columbia, with the highest numbers in California (282 schools), Texas (173), Kentucky (134) and South Carolina (105).

National School District had nine schools on the list.

"We are deeply proud of our schools for earning this prestigious recognition," said Dr. Leighangela Brady, Superintendent of National School District. "These awards highlight the dedication of our educators, staff, and community partners to ensuring students have the resources, relationships, and healthy environments they need to succeed.”

Del Mar Union School District also had nine schools recognized. 

 “We are thrilled to be recognized for our exceptional physical education program. Our credentialed PE specialists are not only skilled educators, but also drivers in promoting collaboration, critical thinking, and adaptability in every class,” said Alison Fieberg, assistant superintendent, Instructional Services. “This recognition reflects the expertise and passion our PE team brings to engaging students in healthy, active lifestyles that support their learning and growth.” 

Since launching America’s Healthiest Schools in 2007, Healthier Generation has recognized 3,347 schools for their pivotal role in promoting the health and well-being of students, staff, and families. Under the current topic-based model introduced in 2022, the number of recognized schools has nearly tripled and the number of All-Star schools has grown fifteen-fold. 

To help schools create and strengthen whole child health policies and practices, Healthier Generation offers assessment and action-planning tools for building learning environments that support every aspect of a child’s development. Learn more and see the list of this year’s awardees at www.healthiergeneration.org/AHS.

San Diego County Schools

Chula Vista Elementary School District
Leonardo Da Vinci Health Science Charter School

Del Mar Union School District
Ashley Falls School  
Carmel Del Mar School 
Del Mar Heights School 
Del Mar Hills Academy
Ocean Air School 
Pacific Sky School 
Sage Canyon School 
Sycamore Ridge School 
Torrey Hills School 

National School District
Central Elementary School
El Toyon Elementary School
Ira Harbison Elementary School 
John A. Otis Elementary School 
Las Palmas Elementary School
Lincoln Acres Elementary School 
Olivewood Elementary School
Palmer Way Elementary School
Rancho De La Nacion School

San Diego Unified School District
Angier Elementary School
Bell Middle School
Bird Rock Elementary School 
Canyon Hills High School
Challenger Middle School 
De Portola Middle School 
Edison Elementary School**
Ellen Browning Scripps Elementary School
Farb Middle School
Field Elementary School
Fletcher Elementary School
Garfield High School
Hage Elementary School
Health Sciences High and Middle College (HSHMC)
Hickman Elementary School
Horton Elementary School**
John Muir Language Academy
Jonas Salk Elementary School
Lafayette Elementary School
Lincoln High School
Longfellow UTK-8 Spanish Immersion Magnet School
Madison High School
Mira Mesa High School
Miramar Ranch Elementary School
Mission Bay High School
Mt Everest Academy
Normal Heights Elementary School**
Pacific Beach Middle School
Rolando Park Elementary School
Roosevelt Middle School
Rowan Elementary School**
San Diego Met High School
Sandburg Elementary School
TRACE School
Valencia Park Elementary School
Wilson Middle School
 
San Marcos Unified School District
San Marcos Elementary School

Vista Unified School District
Bella Mente Montessori Academy

**All-Star Distinction