Seven schools in the Santa Clarita Valley were among the 408 junior high and high schools named as a 2026 California Distinguished School by State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond, according to a California Department of Education news release.
The honor recognizes “exceptional schools that distinguish themselves on the basis of exemplary student outcomes,” and since its inception in 1985 “the California Distinguished Schools Award remains one of the state’s most important ways to celebrate exceptional schools, districts, teachers, and classified employees for their innovation, talent, and success in supporting students,” the release read.
Local district superintendents credited the schools’ communities for the honor in prepared statements on Tuesday.
The William S. Hart Union High School District had six schools recognized, which were: Academy of the Canyons, Canyon High School, Castaic High School, La Mesa Junior High School, Saugus High School and West Ranch High School.
In the Castaic Union School District, Castaic Middle School was recognized as well.
“This recognition is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our educators, staff, students and families,” said Superintendent Michael Vierra in a Hart district news release. “Having six of our schools recognized in a single year highlights our district-wide commitment to academic excellence and creating an environment where every student can thrive.”
“We are honored and proud to have Castaic Middle School receive this award. It is a testament to the dedication and hard work of Principal Mrs. Stephanie Sosa and her staff in providing our students with exemplary instruction,” wrote Castaic District Superintendent Bob Brauneisen in a statement to The Signal on Tuesday. “Castaic Union School District is proud of all our high-performing schools, but today we are especially proud of Mrs. Sosa, her staff, and the entire Castaic Middle School community for this well-earned and deserved recognition.”
According to Brauneisen, Castaic Middle School was recognized in 2001 as a distinguished school, and in 2015 it received the California Gold Ribbon School Award, which was a temporary replacement for the Distinguished Schools Program while the state transitioned to new assessment systems.
This year’s recipients were selected based on performance and progress on state indicators as specified on the 2025 California School Dashboard, including test scores, school climate indicators, graduation rates, and college and career readiness, according to the Hart district news release.
Schools recognized as a California Distinguished School hold the title for two years. The 2026 California Distinguished Schools will be recognized at a statewide reception in April.
