San Diego Unified is proud to celebrate four Area C schools that have earned the prestigious distinction of 2026 California Distinguished School.
- Correia Middle School
- Mission Bay High School
- Muirlands Middle School
- Standley Middle School
The California Distinguished Schools Program, announced by State Superintendent Tony Thurmond, is one of the state’s top recognitions for public schools. The award honors schools that demonstrate exceptional student outcomes and strong support systems that help students thrive.
This year’s recognition highlights middle and high schools that are among the highest performers in the state, are narrowing achievement gaps for historically underserved student groups, or are creating strong outcomes across multiple measures of student success. Schools are selected based on data from the California School Dashboard and must meet strict accountability and school climate standards to qualify.
The recognition of Correia Middle School, Mission Bay High School, Muirlands Middle School, and Standley Middle School reflects the excellence found across Area C schools and communities. Their success is a testament to the dedication of teachers, staff, families, and students who continue to raise the bar for achievement and opportunity.
The honored schools will be celebrated at the statewide recognition event on April 24, 2026, at the Disneyland Hotel in Anaheim.
For more information, please visit the CDE California Distinguished Schools Program web page.