13 Contra Costa Schools Named 2026 California Distinguished

State honors top-performing middle and high schools in the county

Mar. 12, 2026 at 3:19am

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The California Department of Education has named 408 middle and high schools as 2026 California Distinguished Schools, including 13 schools in Contra Costa County. The prestigious award recognizes exceptional schools that demonstrate exemplary student outcomes and achievement.

Why it matters

The California Distinguished Schools program is one of the state's most important ways to celebrate and recognize exceptional schools, teachers, and staff for their innovation, talent, and success in supporting students. This year's honorees represent the hard work of educators in providing life-changing educational opportunities.

The details

The 2026 California Distinguished Schools were selected based on metrics from the state's accountability system, the California School Dashboard. Schools must have at least 95% participation in statewide assessments and cannot have concerning school climate indicators like high suspension rates or chronic absenteeism. The award categories include Exemplary High Achievers, Achievement Gap Closers, and Beacons of Opportunity serving rural and Title 1 communities.

  • The 2026 California Distinguished Schools were selected using data from the 2025 California School Dashboard.
  • The 2026 California Distinguished Schools, along with other state education awards, will be recognized at a ceremony on April 24, 2026.

The players

Tony Thurmond

State Superintendent of Public Instruction, who announced the 2026 California Distinguished Schools.

California Department of Education

The state agency that oversees the California Distinguished Schools program, the largest public school system in the United States.

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What they’re saying

“It is my pleasure to honor and recognize these 408 schools for their efforts to move the needle for student achievement, no matter what. An excellent public education has the power to transform lives, and I commend the educators and school communities who have dedicated themselves to producing exemplary results.”

— Tony Thurmond, State Superintendent of Public Instruction

What’s next

The 2026 California Distinguished Schools, along with other state education award winners, will be recognized at a ceremony on April 24, 2026 at the Disneyland Hotel in Anaheim.

The takeaway

The California Distinguished Schools program highlights the exceptional work being done in public schools across the state to support student achievement and provide life-changing educational opportunities, even in the face of challenges. These 13 Contra Costa schools exemplify the dedication and innovation of educators in the region.