State Superintendent Tony Thurmond announced this month that Alameda High School has been selected for the California Distinguished School Program. Only 408 middle and high schools were selected across the state for this prestigious recognition this year.

The program recognizes three categories of exceptional schools:

Exemplary High Achievers: Schools that are among the highest in the state in academic achievement for all students (while also ensuring that historically underserved student groups are maintaining or increasing academic performance).

Achievement Gap Closers: Schools that are accelerating academic progress for two or more groups that have been historically underserved (while also demonstrating achievement for all students that is above the state median and maintaining or increasing academic performance for all students

Beacons of Opportunity: Schools serving rural and Title 1 school communities that distinguish themselves through multiple student outcomes at very high performance levels.

AHS was selected as an Achievement Gap Closer.  Assessment data shows that in 2025 both socio-economically disadvantaged and Hispanic/Latino students’ ELA test scores rose significantly (i.e., more than 15 points). The scores of socio-economically disadvantaged, Hispanic/Latino, English Learners, and students with disabilities also increased significantly in Math.

“This is such an honor and acknowledgment of the hard work of students and staff, as well as the ongoing support of our families,” says Alameda High School principal Angela Barrett.  “We are thrilled to receive this designation and to know that our efforts are helping our students.”

The CDE selects Distinguished Schools annually, but because it alternates elementary and secondary schools, awardees hold the title for two years.  You can find more information about the program on the CDE California Distinguished Schools Program web page.

“I’d like to congratulate the Alameda High School community on being selected to this prestigious program,” says Superintendent Pasquale Scuderi. “Overall, Alameda High School has long been a high-achieving school. The fact that they won an award based on the narrowing of opportunity and achievement gaps makes this all the more special. All students deserve the opportunity to learn and to succeed.”

The 2026 California Distinguished Schools, along with 2025 California Blue Ribbon Schools, 2026 Green Achievers, 2026 Exemplary Dual Enrollment Award Schools, 2026 Exemplary Arts Education Award Schools, and 2025 Civic Learning Awards of Excellence and Awards of Distinction will be recognized at the Disneyland Hotel in Anaheim on April 24, 2026.