19 California schools win 2026 Exemplary Arts Education Award for equitable, high‑quality programs
On March 23, 2026, California State Superintendent Tony Thurmond announced 19 schools as recipients of the 2026 California Exemplary Arts Education Award, honoring high-quality, equitable arts programs; winners will be celebrated at a ceremony in Anaheim in April.
Key takeaways
- Standards and access: Awardees document instruction in at least three arts disciplines with credentialed staff and equitable access for English learners and students with disabilities — see the California Exemplary Arts Education program page.
- Statewide representation: Nineteen schools across elementary, middle and high school levels were selected; winners range from Title I campuses to well‑resourced suburban districts.
- Selection criteria: Reviewers evaluated curriculum quality, assessment, staffing, professional learning and evidence of culturally responsive instruction aligned to California Arts Standards.
- Recognition event: Winners were announced March 23, 2026, and will be honored at the California School Recognition Program Ceremony in Anaheim on April 24, 2026.
Main details
How winners were chosen
The California Department of Education’s award highlights schools that make arts education a central part of the school day. Applicants must document instruction in a minimum of three arts areas — dance, media arts, music, theatre and visual arts — delivered by credentialed staff and aligned to the California Arts Standards. Schools also must demonstrate ongoing professional learning for arts staff and equitable access for English learners, students with disabilities and other special populations. The department posts program overview and criteria on its site: California Exemplary Arts Education program page.
List of 2026 California Exemplary Arts Education Award recipients
The 19 awardees named March 23 represent districts across the state, including nine schools from Los Angeles County. Below are the winners, with local district and principal information where available:
- Claremont High School, Claremont Unified School District — Principal: James Mitchell
- Delano High School, Delano Joint Union High School District — Principal: Dolores Rodriguez
- Gilroy High School, Gilroy Unified School District
- Crescenta Valley High School, Glendale Unified School District
- Mark Keppel Elementary School, Glendale Unified School District — Principal: Jaclyn Scott
- Prairie Vista Middle School, Hawthorne School District — Principal: Sandra MacKellar
- Hesperia High School, Hesperia Unified School District — Principal: Michael Everett
- ICEF View Park Preparatory High School, ICEF Public Schools / Los Angeles Unified School District — Principal: Shuron Owens
- Maywood Center for Enriched Studies, Los Angeles Unified School District — Principal: Salvador Torres
- Mira Costa High School, Manhattan Beach Unified School District
- Palm Middle School, Moreno Valley Unified School District — Principal: Hilary Reynolds
- Echo Valley Elementary School, North Monterey County Unified School District — Principal: Jacob Gile
- Novato High School, Novato Unified School District — Principal: Michelle Cortez
- Orange County School of the Arts, Orange County Board of Education — Principal: Maria Lazarova
- C. K. McClatchy High School, Sacramento City Unified School District — Principal: Andrea Egan
- Trabuco Hills High School, Saddleback Valley Unified School District — Principal: Alicia Foulk
- Gabrielino High School, San Gabriel Unified School District — Principal: Vince Lopez
- Jefferson Middle School, San Gabriel Unified School District — Principal: Sandra Alley
- San Diego School of Creative and Performing Arts, San Diego Unified School District — Principal: Timothy Farson
Context and quotes
“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.” — State Superintendent Tony Thurmond
Los Angeles County supplied the largest single share of awardees (nine schools), reflecting significant county investment in arts education. Local reporting highlights recent student achievements from some winners, such as Crescenta Valley High School’s success in Poetry Out Loud.
Why this matters: funding, equity and standards
Policy implications: The award spotlights schools that staff arts courses with qualified instructors, provide ongoing professional development and measure student learning — all elements that commonly depend on stable funding, district priorities and community partnerships. While the award signals best practices, it also highlights disparities between districts that can and cannot sustain robust arts staffing.
Equity: The application requires evidence of equitable access for English learners and students with disabilities, aligning with state guidance that arts should not be restricted to advantaged students.
Implications for The Imperial Valley, California
Economic: Although Imperial Valley schools were not among the 19 winners, the awardees can serve as models to attract regional funding and partnerships. Arts pathways can support local economies through tourism, cultural events and small business opportunities related to design, media and performance.
Political: For local boards and county officials, demonstrating equitable arts access can be persuasive in budget discussions and in seeking state or philanthropic funds.
Social and cultural: Culturally responsive arts instruction — using local heritage in music, dance and visual arts — may improve attendance, engagement and language development among English learners and migrant families, while reinforcing community identity.
Practical applications for local schools and districts
- Program design: Use the award criteria — instruction in at least three arts disciplines, credentialed instructors, standards-aligned curriculum, assessment and staff professional learning — as a checklist when designing or expanding arts programs. See the program page.
- Funding: Apply for state and private grants using documented equitable access and professional development plans modeled on awardees’ approaches; the state award and publicity can strengthen grant narratives (state press release).
- Partnerships: Reach out to nearby award schools or county offices of education to share best practices, or invite award-winning teachers to lead regional professional learning (LACOE release).
- Student access: Audit schedules and enrollment to ensure English learners and students with disabilities can enroll in arts classes without barriers; the award criteria require such access and provide an equity model.
