FRESNO, TULARE COUNTY – Schools across the Central Valley have been recognized for their continued work in educating the next generation of students.
On March 10, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond announced the 2026 California Distinguished Schools, and the 2026 Model Continuation High Schools. Of these, 12 schools in Fresno County and eight schools in Tulare County have been recognized for their exemplary student outcomes.
“An excellent public education has the power to transform lives, and I commend the educators and school communities who have dedicated themselves to producing exemplary results,” said Thurman in a statement. “This year’s California Distinguished Schools represent the hard work of our middle and high school educators and school staff, who provide our secondary students with life-changing educational opportunities.”
Reedley High School, Reedley Middle College High School and Sanger High School are among 11 California Distinguished Schools in Fresno County.
This is the second time Reedley High has received this honor, and the third for Reedley Middle College in recent years.
“To see Reedley High School recognized again and Reedley Middle College High School earn this honor for the third time since 2021 speaks to the hard work of our students, teachers, and staff,” said Kings Canyon Unified School District Superintendent John Campbell in a statement.
“At the same time, we know this work is never finished. These recognitions show we are on the right path, but they also challenge us to continue to keep taking it to the next level so every student in Kings Canyon Unified has the opportunity to succeed,” he added.
In the statement, KCUSD also highlighted that Reedley Middle College achieved a 100% graduation rate last year, with all students graduating with all of their A-G requirements met.
Other recognized Fresno County Schools include: Buchanan High School, Baird Middle School, Design Science Middle College High School, Edison Computech, Edison High School, Erma Duncan Polytechnical High School, Phillip J. Patino School of Entrepreneurship and University High School.
Heartland High School in Selma was also named one of 59 Model Continuation High Schools in the state.
“Across Fresno County, our educators and school leaders are proving every day that when we set high expectations and surround students with the right support, incredible things can happen,” said Fresno County Superintendent of Schools Michele Cantwell-Copher in a statement.
From Tulare County: Exeter Union High School, Lindsay Senior High School, Harmony Magnet Academy, Porterville Military Academy, University Preparatory High School and El Diamante High School were all named California Distinguished Schools.
Citrus High School and John J. Cairns Continuation High School were also named Model Continuation High Schools.
