Four San Diego Schools Named Finalists for 2026 America's Best Schools

Schools recognized for academic proficiency, positive culture, and serving diverse student populations

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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Four elementary schools in the San Diego Unified School District were named finalists for the 2026 America's Best Schools Award, among 17 schools selected nationwide by the San Diego State University-based National Center for Urban School Transformation. The finalists are Dewey Elementary, Garfield Elementary, Nye Elementary, and Sequoia Elementary, recognized for meeting rigorous criteria around academic proficiency, attendance, discipline, and outcomes for all student groups.

Why it matters

This national recognition highlights the success of San Diego's public schools in providing equitable, high-quality education to diverse student populations. The finalist schools have demonstrated a commitment to continuous improvement and serving the needs of all learners, which is crucial for student success and community development.

The details

To be selected as finalists, the four schools met NCUST's award criteria, which require that every racial, ethnic, and income group exceed statewide proficiency averages, maintain attendance rates above 92%, keep suspension rates low across all demographics, and show strong outcomes for English learners and students with disabilities. Garfield Elementary was previously named a 2023 National Blue Ribbon School, while Nye Elementary joins it as a finalist, both meeting the standard for academic proficiency across all student groups.

  • The finalists were announced on February 13, 2026.
  • Award winners will be announced in May 2026 following visits to each campus.

The players

San Diego Unified School District

The public school district serving the city of San Diego, California.

National Center for Urban School Transformation

A research center based at San Diego State University that identifies and recognizes high-performing urban schools.

Fabi Bagula

Superintendent of the San Diego Unified School District.

Richard Barrera

President of the San Diego Unified Board of Education.

Sabrina Bazzo

Vice president of the San Diego Unified Board of Education.

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What they’re saying

“The criteria for this national award, including academic proficiency for all student groups, positive school cultures, high attendance, and effective instruction, align with the goals and guardrails our Board of Education has set for this district.”

— Fabi Bagula, Superintendent, San Diego Unified School District (timesofsandiego.com)

“Results like these do not happen without the collective effort of educators, students, and families who are committed to continuous improvement every single day.”

— Richard Barrera, President, San Diego Unified Board of Education (timesofsandiego.com)

“Sequoia Elementary and Dewey Elementary are not just meeting milestones but exceeding them for every student group they serve, and that is something their entire school communities should take tremendous pride in.”

— Sabrina Bazzo, Vice President, San Diego Unified Board of Education (timesofsandiego.com)

What’s next

Award winners will be announced in May 2026 following visits to each finalist campus.

The takeaway

The selection of these four San Diego schools as finalists for the 2026 America's Best Schools Award demonstrates the district's commitment to providing equitable, high-quality education that supports the success of all students, regardless of their background or circumstances.