ANAHEIM—State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond will honor California schools and local educational agencies that have achieved statewide or national recognition within the last calendar year, including 408 California schools that have been selected for the prestigious 2026 California Distinguished Schools Program.
The California Distinguished Schools Program historically recognizes two categories of exceptional schools: those closing the achievement gap and those demonstrating exceptional student performance. This year, the program has added a third category of recognition, called Beacons of Opportunity, to recognize schools serving rural or Title I communities that distinguish themselves through high levels of student outcomes.
The awards ceremony is scheduled to begin TODAY, Friday, April 24, at 6 p.m. in the Exhibit Hall of the Disneyland Resort Hotel. Superintendent Thurmond will be available for interviews between 5 and 5:30 p.m.
Since its inception in 1985, the California School Recognition Program (CSRP) has remained a consistent and important way to celebrate exceptional schools, districts, teachers, and classified employees for their innovation, talent, and success in supporting students.
In addition to 2026 California Distinguished Schools, this year’s CSRP event will recognize 2026 Exemplary Dual Enrollment Award Schools, 2026 Green Ribbon Schools Green Achievers, 2026 Exemplary Arts Education Award Schools, 2025 California Blue Ribbon School Nominees, and 2025 Civic Learning Award of Excellence and Distinction Schools.
The event can be followed on the California Department of Education’s (CDE) social media pages on Instagram, LinkedIn, X/Twitter, Facebook, and BlueSky.
WHO: State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond and California educators
WHEN: TODAY, Friday, April 24, 2026
Media availability from 5:00 to 5:30 p.m.
Program begins at 6:00 p.m.
WHERE: Exhibit Hall at Disneyland Resort Hotel, 1150 West Magic Way, Anaheim