Four SBCUSD Schools named 2026 California Distinguished Schools

“With four secondary schools in SBCUSD earning a California Distinguished School Award this year, I feel like SBCUSD SHINES even brighter than before,” said Superintendent Mauricio Arellano. “Earning the title of Distinguished School is no easy feat, as evidenced by the fact that only 408 schools across the state and only 20 schools in San Bernardino County, including our four schools, earned that honor. It proves not only that SBCUSD is a serious academic institution but that we are moving forward with our vision that all students will have the support they need to be strong—academically, physically, socially, emotionally and financially.”

According to the CDE website, the California Distinguished Schools Award aims to recognize exemplary instructional programs throughout California public schools and remains one of the state’s most important ways to celebrate exceptional schools for their innovation and success in supporting students.

Richardson PREP HI has earned a California Distinguished School Award nine times, starting in 1990 and including this most recent 2026 recognition. Richardson also earned a California Gold Ribbon Schools Award in 2017 when that award briefly replaced the California Distinguished School Award. Middle College High School has earned three Distinguished School Awards in 2007, 2021 and 2026. Rodriguez PREP earned a Distinguished School Award in 2011 and 2026. This is the first year Cajon High has been named a California Distinguished School.

A total of 19 SBCUSD campuses have earned the California Distinguished School Award since it was established in 1985. The CDE awards this honor to elementary and secondary schools in alternating years. Ramona-Alessandro Elementary and Palm Avenue Elementary Schools earned California Distinguished School Awards last year.

For more information on the California Department of Education’s Distinguished School Award, visit the California Distinguished Schools Program.