19 California schools — including San Diego’s arts magnet — win state’s California Exemplary Arts Education Award
On March 23, 2026, State Superintendent Tony Thurmond announced 19 California schools — from elementary to high school — received the California Exemplary Arts Education Award for exemplary, equitable arts instruction and culturally responsive programming statewide.
Key takeaways
- 19 schools across California were honored for high-quality, culturally responsive arts education and equitable access.
- Eligible schools must provide instruction in at least three arts disciplines during the regular school day: dance, media arts, music, theatre or visual arts.
- Winners include a mix of elementary, middle and high schools from Title I sites to well-funded suburban districts; awards will be presented April 24, 2026, in Anaheim.
Main coverage
Awards and criteria
The California Exemplary Arts Education Award spotlights schools that combine strong arts lessons with ongoing staff professional learning and inclusive access for all students, including English learners and students with disabilities. To qualify, schools must document regular, in‑day instruction in at least three arts areas and show meaningful assessment and culturally responsive teaching practices.
State announcement
State Superintendent Tony Thurmond released the list on March 23, 2026, praising the winners for creating “dynamic learning environments” where students explore creativity and strengthen their voices.
“It is my honor to congratulate these 19 schools for the powerful role they play in supporting arts programs across our state. These dynamic learning environments are where students have the opportunity to explore their creativity and strengthen their voices.” — Tony Thurmond
Who made the list
The 2026 award winners span the state and include elementary, middle and high schools. The full list (as released by the state) follows:
- Claremont High School, Claremont Unified School District
- Delano High School, Delano Joint Union High School District
- Gilroy High School, Gilroy Unified School District
- Crescenta Valley High School, Glendale Unified School District
- Mark Keppel Elementary School, Glendale Unified School District
- Prairie Vista Middle School, Hawthorne School District
- Hesperia High School, Hesperia Unified School District
- ICEF View Park Preparatory High School, Los Angeles Unified School District (ICEF Public Schools)
- Maywood Center for Enriched Studies, Los Angeles Unified School District
- Mira Costa High School, Manhattan Beach Unified School District
- Palm Middle School, Moreno Valley Unified School District
- Echo Valley Elementary School, North Monterey County Unified School District
- Novato High School, Novato Unified School District
- Orange County School of the Arts, Orange County Board of Education
- C. K. McClatchy High School, Sacramento City Unified School District
- Trabuco Hills High School, Saddleback Valley Unified School District
- Gabrielino High School, San Gabriel Unified School District
- Jefferson Middle School, San Gabriel Unified School District
- San Diego School of Creative and Performing Arts, San Diego Unified School District
Regional notes and patterns
Nine winners are in Los Angeles County, highlighting the region’s strong arts infrastructure and emphasis on arts instruction during Arts Education Month. Crescenta Valley High School’s recent local recognition as a poetry competition champion underscores a culture of performance and writing among some winners.
Coverage noting the LA County concentration is available via the Los Angeles County Office of Education coverage.
Local leadership details
State listings and district pages include principal and superintendent names for many awardees. For example:
- San Diego School of Creative and Performing Arts — Principal Timothy Farson; San Diego Unified Superintendent Dr. Fabiola Bagula. (See the award list.)
- Other named leaders appear for Gabrielino High School, Jefferson Middle School, Orange County School of the Arts, Delano High School, Claremont High School, Echo Valley Elementary, Mark Keppel Elementary, Novato High School, Hesperia High School, Maywood Center for Enriched Studies, C. K. McClatchy High School and ICEF View Park Preparatory High School. (See the award list.)
Why the award matters
The award elevates programs that provide ongoing arts instruction, teacher training, assessment practices, and policies to broaden arts access. For students, strong arts programs support academic engagement, identity development and career pathways in creative industries. For districts, recognition can attract partners, donors and community interest.
Investigative focus: funding and equity questions
The mix of Title I schools and well-resourced suburban schools among winners raises follow-up questions about how arts programs are built and sustained. Key investigative points include:
- Funding sources: Which schools rely primarily on district budgets, grants, boosters or private donations? The state release does not provide a funding breakdown.
- Staff capacity: How many awardees employ full‑time arts teachers versus shared or part‑time staff, and what professional learning time is funded?
- Access for special populations: Schools must show equal opportunities for English learners and students with disabilities, but the depth of access (adapted instruction, assistive services) likely varies.
These are areas where districts and community partners can provide additional detail ahead of the April recognition ceremony.
Implications for San Diego
Economic impact: SDSCPA helps prepare students for college arts programs and local creative jobs. State recognition may strengthen partnerships with local arts employers and colleges and help attract grants and philanthropic support for after-school programs, equipment and internships.
Political consequences: The award could prompt San Diego school board and city leaders to review arts staffing and budget priorities. Districts can cite the recognition when lobbying for state arts funding or pilot programs.
Social and cultural effects: Recognition can boost student engagement and enrollment in arts classes, while shining a light on gaps in arts access across neighborhoods. The award’s emphasis on culturally responsive instruction aligns with San Diego’s diverse communities and offers models to center student heritage and community art forms.
Practical applications for residents
- Family choices: Parents can use the state list to identify strong arts schools; SDSCPA’s recognition signals a state‑validated program.
- Community partnerships: Local arts organizations, museums and theaters can cite the award when proposing collaborations, internships and expanded hands‑on learning.
Sources and further reading
- California Department of Education release and award list.
- Education Coalition announcement and coverage.
- Los Angeles County Office of Education coverage noting nine LA County winners.
Next steps reporters should watch
- Coverage of the California School Recognition Program Ceremony on April 24, 2026, in Anaheim for remarks, district responses and follow-up details. See the California Department of Education release.
- Local district disclosures about funding sources, staffing, and program access for English learners and students with disabilities at each awardee school.
Note: For the official state release and full awardee details, consult the California Department of Education release and the award list.
