Nineteen California schools win 2026 California Exemplary Arts Education Award; nine are in Los Angeles County
In March 2026, State Superintendent Tony Thurmond announced 19 California schools won the 2026 California Exemplary Arts Education Award, honoring sustained, equitable statewide in-school arts programs — including nine recipients located in Los Angeles County.
Key takeaways
- Awards honor sustained, equitable arts instruction across at least three disciplines and require evidence of assessment and professional learning.
- Nineteen winners were celebrated statewide; nine are in Los Angeles County, highlighting local investments and partnerships.
- Focus on equity: applications must show access for English learners and students with disabilities and culturally responsive instruction.
- Next steps for districts: review award criteria, examine funding models, and consider partnerships to sustain programs.
Overview
The California Exemplary Arts Education Award recognizes schools that demonstrate broad-based achievement in arts instruction and equitable access for all students. Awardees show that arts are embedded in the school day, not treated as a one-off elective, and that programs include assessment, curriculum, and staff professional learning.
Award criteria and why it matters
To qualify, schools must offer instruction in at least three arts disciplines during the regular school day — including dance, media arts, music, theatre, and visual arts — and demonstrate that special populations have equal access. Reviewers evaluate curriculum quality, assessment systems, professional learning for teachers, and culturally responsive instruction. The emphasis on measurable, sustained programs aims to ensure arts opportunities are inclusive and long-lasting.
Official praise
“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.” — Tony Thurmond, State Superintendent of Public Instruction
Who won: the 2026 California Exemplary Arts Education Awards
The 19 awardees represent elementary, middle and high schools across varied communities and include both Title I schools and those in affluent suburbs, illustrating diverse models for strong arts programs.
- Claremont High School, Claremont Unified School District (Los Angeles County)
- Delano High School, Delano Joint Union High School District (Kern County)
- Gilroy High School, Gilroy Unified School District (Santa Clara County)
- Crescenta Valley High School, Glendale Unified School District (Los Angeles County)
- Mark Keppel Elementary School, Glendale Unified School District (Los Angeles County)
- Prairie Vista Middle School, Hawthorne School District (Los Angeles County)
- Hesperia High School, Hesperia Unified School District (San Bernardino County)
- ICEF View Park Preparatory High School, Los Angeles Unified School District (Los Angeles County)
- Maywood Center for Enriched Studies, Los Angeles Unified School District (Los Angeles County)
- Mira Costa High School, Manhattan Beach Unified School District (Los Angeles County)
- Palm Middle School, Moreno Valley Unified School District (Riverside County)
- Echo Valley Elementary School, North Monterey County Unified School District (Monterey County)
- Novato High School, Novato Unified School District (Marin County)
- Orange County School of the Arts, Orange County Board of Education (Orange County)
- C. K. McClatchy High School, Sacramento City Unified School District (Sacramento County)
- Trabuco Hills High School, Saddleback Valley Unified School District (Orange County)
- Gabrielino High School, San Gabriel Unified School District (Los Angeles County)
- Jefferson Middle School, San Gabriel Unified School District (Los Angeles County)
- San Diego School of Creative and Performing Arts, San Diego Unified School District (San Diego County)
Concentration in Los Angeles County
Nine of the 19 awardees are in Los Angeles County. That concentration highlights district investments, community partnerships, and varied approaches to sustaining arts instruction — from district-supported staffing to collaborations with arts organizations.
Local officials and investigators should ask: how are these programs funded long-term? What balance exists between general fund allocations, grants, booster fundraising, and partnerships? The award criteria favor programs with professional learning and assessment systems, often requiring sustained district support and capacity.
Equity and access: what the awardmakers examined
Reviewers focused on equitable access for English learners, students with disabilities, and other special populations. Schools had to document scheduling, enrollment practices, and outreach that reduce barriers so arts do not become an “extra” available only to students with certain resources. The application also required evidence of culturally responsive instruction that reflects students’ backgrounds.
Funding and sustainability
Funding models vary: winners include Title I schools and those with strong community support. Some programs rely on district budgets and grants; others use parent fundraising and nonprofit partnerships. Investigations into local general funds, parcel taxes, arts grants and nonprofit relationships will clarify which models are most replicable in lower-resource counties.
Recognition event
Awardees were honored at the California School Recognition Program Ceremony in Anaheim on April 24, 2026. The ceremony showcased student work and highlighted program models that other districts can study and adapt.
Implications for San Luis Obispo County
Economic: SLO schools and arts organizations could benefit if districts adopt funding and partnership strategies used by winners, supporting local creative economies and workforce development. Political: school boards may face pressure to prioritize arts funding based on visible state recognition. Social: broader access to arts instruction can increase engagement, attendance and long-term outcomes.
Practical actions include requesting award application materials and program documentation from the state or winners and convening regional workshops to study curriculum, assessment and teacher training models.
Next steps for local stakeholders
- District leaders: review the CDE arts recognition guidance and award criteria to identify replicable practices.
- Arts organizations & cultural offices: explore partnerships, internships and collaborations to support culturally responsive programming.
- Parents & community leaders: advocate for dedicated arts funding and professional learning using award winners as evidence of statewide standards and benefits.
Reporting sources and further reading
- California Department of Education news release: “2026 California Exemplary Arts Education Awards”
- California Department of Education Arts Recognition page
- ACSA EdCal overview of the 19 winners
- Los Angeles County Office of Education announcement (March 24, 2026)
Reporting for Times Media Service; prepared for CNN distribution.
