SAN JOSE, CA – Twenty-two schools in Santa Clara County were selected as 2026 California Distinguished Schools. The California Department of Education is recognizing 408 middle and high schools throughout the state for exemplary instructional programs and student outcomes.
“This recognition reflects the collaborative spirit of educators, school communities, and staff who make student success possible,” said County Superintendent Dr. David M. Toston, Sr. “Achievements like this happen when schools and districts work together with their communities to help students go beyond expectations.”
Below is a list of the schools in Santa Clara County that were announced as 2026 California Distinguished Schools:
Berryessa Union Elementary – Piedmont Middle School
Cupertino Union – John F. Kennedy Middle School
Cupertino Union – Sam H. Lawson Middle School
Franklin-McKinley Elementary – College Connection Academy
Fremont Union High – Fremont High School
Gilroy Unified – Dr. TJ Owens Gilroy Early College Academy
Los Altos Elementary – Ardis G. Egan Junior High School
Los Altos Elementary – Georgina P. Blach Junior High School
Los Gatos Union Elementary – Raymond J. Fisher Middle School
Los Gatos-Saratoga Union High – Los Gatos High School
Milpitas Unified – Thomas Russell Middle School
Morgan Hill Unified – Ann Sobrato High School
Mountain View Whisman – Isaac Newton Graham Middle School
Oak Grove Elementary – Herman (Leonard) Intermediate School
Palo Alto Unified – Frank S. Greene Jr. Middle School
Palo Alto Unified – Henry M. Gunn High School
Palo Alto Unified – Jane Lathrop Stanford Middle School
Santa Clara County Board Authorized Charter – University Preparatory Academy Charter School
Saratoga Union Elementary – Redwood Middle School
SBE - KIPP Navigate College Prep – KIPP Navigate College Prep
Sunnyvale – Sunnyvale Middle School
Union Elementary – Union Middle School
For more information about the 2026 California Distinguished Schools Program, please visit
https://www.cde.ca.gov/nr/ne/yr26/yr26rel12.asp
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About the Santa Clara County Office of Education
Working collaboratively with school and community partners, the Santa Clara County Office of Education (SCCOE) is a regional service agency committed to serving, inspiring, and promoting student and public school success. For more information about the Santa Clara County Office of Education, please visit www.sccoe.org and follow us @SCCOE on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
