Forty-eight CCSA member schools have been honored with the state's top honor as 2026 California Distinguished Public Schools! And behind that number is a bigger story about what’s possible when schools are designed to meet students where they are—and help them go further than they imagined.
This year’s recognition from the California Department of Education celebrates schools, both traditional and charter public schools, that are doing more than just performing well on paper. These campuses are closing achievement gaps, innovating in the classroom, and delivering real results for students—especially those who have historically been underserved.
And one region stands out in a big way: Los Angeles County
Greater Los Angeles: A Hub of Momentum
A majority of the honored CCSA member schools—32 in total—are in Los Angeles County, many within LAUSD.
In one of the largest and most diverse school systems in the country, charter public schools are helping drive student success at scale. From college-prep campuses to STEM-focused academies, these schools are showing that strong outcomes aren’t limited by zip code.
What Sets These Schools Apart?
The Distinguished Schools program highlights three types of excellence, and charter schools showed up in all of them:
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Exemplary High Achievers: Schools where students across all groups are thriving
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Achievement Gap Closers: Schools accelerating progress for underserved students
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Beacons of Opportunity: A newer category spotlighting schools in rural and Title I communities delivering standout results
Different paths—but the same destination: student success.
Why This Matters
At the heart of this recognition is something simple but powerful: when educators have the flexibility to innovate—and are held accountable for results—students benefit.
As CCSA President & CEO Myrna Castrejón put it, these schools are proof that “when educators are empowered with flexibility and accountability, students thrive.”
And that thriving looks like:
Classrooms tailored to student needs
Inclusive school cultures where students feel seen
A relentless focus on outcomes that open doors—to college, careers, and beyond
A Statewide Impact
From San Diego to the Central Valley, from the Bay Area to Northern California, these 48 CCSA member schools represent communities all across the state. Different regions, different student populations—but a shared commitment to excellence.
They also reflect something bigger: charter public schools as a driver of innovation and equity in California’s education system.
Each of these schools tells a story—of educators going the extra mile, of students rising to the challenge, of families finding a school that fits.
Congratulations to each and every CCSA member school honored as a 2026 California Distinguished Public School!
Read our press release for more details about the awardees:
Check out the CCSA member schools that made the list!
