Two Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District campuses have been recognized by the California Department of Education for exemplary student outcomes.
John Adams Middle School was named a 2026 California Distinguished School, one of 408 middle and high schools selected statewide for the prestigious recognition program. Olympic Continuation High School was named a 2026 Model Continuation High School, one of 59 schools recognized for providing comprehensive services to at-risk youth.
State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond announced both awards.
"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," Thurmond said of the Distinguished Schools honorees.
The California Distinguished Schools Program, established in 1985, recognizes schools that demonstrate exemplary achievement across three categories: schools with high academic achievement for all students, schools that are closing achievement gaps for historically underserved groups, and schools in rural and Title I communities that distinguish themselves through multiple high-performing outcomes.
Eligibility is determined through the California School Dashboard, the state's accountability system. Schools must have at least 95 percent participation in statewide assessments and cannot have concerning climate indicators such as high suspension or chronic absenteeism rates.
Model Continuation High Schools are recognized for exemplary instructional strategies, flexible scheduling and guidance services for students who are at risk of not completing their education. More than 428 continuation high schools serve nearly 45,000 students statewide.
"The priority of our Model Continuation High Schools is to give students more than a diploma," Thurmond said. "The teachers and administrators aim to provide students with a student-centered approach that meets their diverse academic, social, and emotional needs."
Both schools will be recognized at an awards ceremony April 24 at the Disneyland Hotel in Anaheim.
Edited by SMDP Staff