A total of 17 schools across the San Fernando Valley were among 83 schools in the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) to receive recognition from the California Department of Education for strong academic outcomes and innovative student support programs.
Among the honors, 73 LAUSD middle and high schools – including 14 in the valley – were named 2026 California Distinguished Schools, one of the state’s highest recognitions for public schools. Established in 1985, the designation celebrates campuses demonstrating strong academic achievement and meaningful progress in improving student outcomes.
The 14 California Distinguished Schools in the valley for 2026 are: Cesar E. Chavez Learning Academies – Social Justice Humanitas Academy in the City of San Fernando; Gaspar De Portola Charter Middle School in Tarzana; George Ellery Hale Charter Academy in Woodland Hills; George K. Porter Middle School in Granada Hills; John F. Kennedy High School in Granada Hills; Oliver Wendell Holmes Middle School in Northridge; Patrick Henry Middle School in Granada Hills; Robert Frost Middle School in Granada Hills; Science Academy STEM Magnet in North Hollywood; Sylmar Biotech Health and Engineering Magnet; Taft Charter High School in Woodland Hills; Ulysses S. Grant Senior High School in Van Nuys; Valley Academy of Arts and Sciences in Granada Hills; and Valor Academy High School in North Hills.
In addition to the Distinguished Schools honors, nine LAUSD schools – including three in the San Fernando Valley – were named 2026 Model Continuation High Schools for supporting students with diverse learning needs who are working toward graduation by offering programs that provide flexible academic pathways and targeted support. The valley schools recognized are Amelia Earhart Continuation in North Hollywood; Independence Continuation in Van Nuys; and Will Rogers Continuation in Van Nuys.
“Congratulations to the 2026 California Distinguished Schools in Board District 6 and across our district,” said LAUSD board member Kelly Gonez. “It is also inspiring to see Los Angeles Unified continuation and day schools recognized by the state this year. Together, these honors are a testament to the hard work and care of our school staff and the many ways our schools support students on the path to success.”
“These recognitions reflect the dedication of our educators, staff and families who work every day to ensure students have access to the high-quality learning experiences that prepare them for college, careers and life,” said acting LAUSD Superintendent Andrés E. Chait.