Kern County Schools Named 2026 California Distinguished Schools

Eight schools in Kern County have been recognized among the 2026 California Distinguished Schools, one of the state’s highest honors for public schools, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond announced this week. Kern’s selections are among 408 middle schools and high schools across California to have earned the distinction, which recognizes exceptional student outcomes and innovative programs that support academic success.

The California Distinguished Schools Program, established in 1985, celebrates schools that demonstrate strong academic performance, close achievement gaps, or create high-performing opportunities for students in rural and underserved communities.

“It is my pleasure to honor and recognize these schools for their efforts to move the needle for student achievement,” Thurmond said in the announcement. “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.”

The following Kern County schools were named 2026 California Distinguished Schools:

Cesar E. Chavez High — Delano Joint Union High School District
Delano High — Delano Joint Union High School District
El Tejon Elementary — El Tejon Unified School District
Fruitvale Junior High — Fruitvale Elementary School District
Leon H. Ollivier Middle — Greenfield Union School District
McFarland High School Early College — McFarland Unified School District
Stonecreek Junior High — Panama-Buena Vista Union School District
Wasco High — Wasco Union High School District

Schools are identified through data from the California School Dashboard, the state’s accountability system. To qualify, schools must demonstrate strong academic outcomes and meet requirements such as high participation rates in statewide assessments. The 2026 awards focus on middle and high schools and recognize campuses in categories such as Exemplary High Achievers, Achievement Gap Closers, and Beacons of Opportunity, which highlight schools in rural or low-income communities that achieve strong outcomes for students.

At El Tejon Elementary in Lebec, Superintendent Sara Haflich said the recognition reflects years of work centered on supporting the whole child.

“This achievement is rooted in the strong relationships built among students, teachers, administrators, staff, families, and community partners who work together to ensure every student feels valued, supported, and connected,” she said.

The school operates under a community school model, focusing not only on academics but also on students’ social, emotional, and physical well-being. Mental health support, student leadership programs, and expanded learning opportunities are key parts of that effort.

Students also have access to a wide range of career and technical education opportunities, including pathways in areas such as early childhood development, culinary arts, small engine repair, drone and flight technology, marketing, cosmetology, welding, and videography. Leadership and student engagement programs such as FFA, Safe School Ambassadors, and AVID further help students build skills and confidence.

“The success of El Tejon School really comes down to a shared belief among educators, families, and community members,” Haflich said. “When students feel connected, supported, and inspired, learning becomes meaningful, and school becomes a place they want to be.”

Meanwhile, Wasco Union High School District Superintendent Kevin Tallon said the recognition highlights the systems the school has developed to strengthen instruction and support student success. He credits collaborative efforts between teachers and staff who are dedicated to supporting the whole child academically, socially, and emotionally.

Tallon pointed to Wasco High teachers’ collaboration through Professional Learning Communities to analyze student data, refine instruction, and maintain high academic expectations for all students. He added that the school also uses a Multi-Tiered System of Supports to provide academic and behavioral assistance, including targeted support for English learners and students with disabilities.

“This honor also reflects the commitment of our students, who continue to rise to high expectations and take advantage of the opportunities available to them,” Tallon said.

At Leon H. Ollivier Middle School in the Greenfield Union School District, leaders say the recognition reflects a school culture built on high expectations, accountability, and a deep sense of belonging.

Principal Sheila Johnson said staff consistently challenge students to “level up” by giving their best effort each day while reinforcing the school’s PRIDE expectations in both academics and behavior. At the same time, teachers and staff make it a priority to ensure students feel supported and valued throughout the school day.

“We assure them that they are loved, seen, and valued,” Johnson said.

As the district’s largest campus, Johnson said the recognition represents the collective efforts of teachers, staff, students, and families working together to create a positive learning environment. Seeing second- and third-generation “Lions” walking the halls, she added, is a powerful reminder that the school’s culture of growth and achievement is continuing across generations.

Alongside strong academic expectations, the school also emphasizes life skills — encouraging students to advocate for themselves respectfully, take ownership of their successes and setbacks, and approach challenges with a growth mindset.

“When students hit a wall, we don’t see it as a dead end. Instead, we emphasize that ‘they just haven’t figured it out — yet,” she said.

Schools receiving the honor will be recognized at a statewide celebration at the Disneyland Hotel in Anaheim on April 24.

ABOVE: Fruitvale Jr. High’s Virtual Enterprise Students won multiple awards during their first competition this year.

BELOW: Students at El Tejon School have access to a wide range of career and technical education opportunities.