Local charter middle and high schools in the Central Valley and Northern Central California earned the 2026 California Distinguished Schools honor.
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Eleven charter public middle and high schools in the Central Valley and Northern Central California have been recognized as 2026 California Distinguished Schools, one of the state’s highest honors for public schools.
The recognition, announced by the California Department of Education, celebrates schools that demonstrate high student achievement, innovative practices, and progress in closing achievement gaps. Across California, 77 charter schools earned the distinction this year.
“These schools are proof that when educators are empowered with flexibility and accountability, students thrive,” said Myrna Castrejon, president and CEO of the California Charter Schools Association. “Charter public schools expand opportunity, accelerate achievement, and deliver life-changing outcomes for students, especially those historically underserved.”
The California Distinguished Schools Award, established in 1985, honors schools across three categories:
Exemplary High Achievers: Top-performing schools where all students, including historically underserved groups, achieve at high levels.
Achievement Gap Closers: Schools accelerating growth for underserved students while maintaining strong overall performance.
Beacons of Opportunity: Schools in rural or Title I communities delivering exceptional outcomes across multiple measures.
Central Valley & Northern Central California honorees
The local charter schools recognized in 2026 include:
Aspire Benjamin Holt College Preparatory Academy – Lodi Unified
Harmony Magnet Academy – Porterville Unified
Health Careers Academy – Stockton Unified
Hickman Middle – Stanislaus County
Millennium Charter – Tracy Joint Unified
Porterville Military Academy – Porterville Unified
Reedley Middle College High – Kings Canyon Unified
Sherman Thomas STEM Academy – Madera Unified
Stockton Early College Academy – Stockton Unified
University High – Fresno Unified
University Preparatory High – Tulare County
Northern California honorees
Additional schools recognized in nearby Northern California include:
Connections Visual and Performing Arts Academy – Summerville Union High
Credo High – Cotati-Rohnert Park Unified
Hillcrest Middle – Gravenstein Union Elementary
Inspire School of Arts and Sciences – Chico Unified
Marysville Charter Academy for the Arts – Marysville Joint Unified
University Preparatory – Shasta Union High
Washington Middle College High – Washington Unified
Western Sierra Collegiate Academy – Rocklin Unified
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