19 California schools win Exemplary Arts Education honors; nine are in Los Angeles County
On March 23, 2026, State Superintendent Tony Thurmond announced 19 California schools received the California Exemplary Arts Education Award for outstanding arts curriculum, instruction, and equitable access, statewide—nine winners are located in Los Angeles County.
- State announcement: State Superintendent Tony Thurmond (California Department of Education) named the 19 awardees on March 23, 2026.
- Scope: 19 schools spanning elementary, middle and high school levels were honored, with nine located in Los Angeles County (advocacy report; LACOE release).
- Criteria: Schools must offer instruction in at least three arts disciplines during the regular school day and demonstrate equitable access and credentialed instructors (CDE award criteria).
- Ceremony: Awardees will be honored at the California School Recognition Program Ceremony in Anaheim on April 24, 2026 (CDE news release).
What the award recognizes
The California Exemplary Arts Education Award honors schools that make arts education central to the school day. To qualify, schools must provide instruction in a minimum of three arts disciplines — dance, media arts, music, theatre and/or visual arts — through standards-based lessons taught by credentialed or qualified instructors. Programs must include assessment, professional learning for arts staff, and clear plans that ensure access for English learners, students in special education and other groups. For program details, see the California Department of Education award criteria.
State Superintendent Thurmond on why the awards matter
“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,” Thurmond said. He emphasized that arts education builds empathy, confidence and self-expression — skills that help students in school and later work. (CDE news release)
The 19 awardees
The 2026 California Exemplary Arts Education Awardees reflect diverse school sizes and populations, from Title I campuses to suburban schools. The full list below is as released by the California Department of Education and partner organizations.
- Claremont High School, Claremont Unified School District
- Delano High School, Delano Joint Union High School District
- Gilroy High School, Gilroy Unified School District
- Crescenta Valley High School, Glendale Unified School District
- Mark Keppel Elementary School, Glendale Unified School District
- Prairie Vista Middle School, Hawthorne School District
- Hesperia High School, Hesperia Unified School District
- ICEF View Park Preparatory High School, Los Angeles Unified School District
- Maywood Center for Enriched Studies, Los Angeles Unified School District
- Mira Costa High School, Manhattan Beach Unified School District
- Palm Middle School, Moreno Valley Unified School District
- Echo Valley Elementary School, North Monterey County Unified School District
- Novato High School, Novato Unified School District
- Orange County School of the Arts, Orange County Board of Education
- C. K. McClatchy High School, Sacramento City Unified School District
- Trabuco Hills High School, Saddleback Valley Unified School District
- Gabrielino High School, San Gabriel Unified School District
- Jefferson Middle School, San Gabriel Unified School District
- San Diego School of Creative and Performing Arts, San Diego Unified School District
Why this matters: access and equity in arts
A central requirement of the award is equitable access. Schools must show that English learners, students with disabilities and other special populations have the same opportunities to participate in arts classes and performances as their peers. That means removing barriers such as fees, restrictive scheduling, or audition-only access that can exclude students who would benefit most. The award’s criteria push districts to build inclusive, sustainable programs (CDE program page).
Local investment and community benefit
Strong arts programs can help retain families in rural and suburban areas, support local culture, and contribute to workforce readiness by building communication, problem solving and teamwork. Award-winning schools demonstrate creative use of resources, partnerships and professional development to maintain high standards without relying solely on new large funding streams (advocacy report; CDE news release).
Los Angeles County’s strong showing
Nine of the 19 awardees are in Los Angeles County, reflecting sustained investment by local districts and county offices in arts instruction, teacher training and large-scale programs. The Los Angeles County Office of Education noted that both district-run and charter schools are represented among the winners (LACOE release).
Professional learning and assessment
A key part of the award is evidence of high-quality professional learning for arts staff. Winners must show training tied to standards, assessment strategies, and culturally responsive practices. Instruction must be assessed so students meet arts learning goals — treating arts as measurable academic subjects with ongoing teacher development (advocacy report; CDE criteria).
Timing and context: Arts Education Month
The announcement coincided with California’s observance of Arts Education Month in March, a period when districts and advocates elevate arts in planning and budgeting conversations for the coming school year (CDE news release).
What to watch next
- How districts scale programs meeting award criteria without major new funding.
- Whether award-winning practices are documented and shared for smaller or rural districts.
- If state and county offices provide targeted grants or training to help more schools meet standards.
- How schools measure long-term student outcomes tied to arts participation — graduation, attendance and workforce readiness.
Implications for the United States
Economic: Arts programs can support local economies by retaining families, boosting after-school activity, and contributing to cultural tourism tied to performances and exhibits (advocacy report).
Political: State recognition can shape local school board debates about funding priorities and influence grants and budgeting at county and district levels (CDE news release).
Social & Cultural: Culturally responsive arts instruction connects learning to students’ backgrounds and traditions, improving engagement and narrowing opportunity gaps (advocacy report).
Practical applications for schools and families
Districts can use the award criteria as a checklist: provide three arts disciplines during the school day, employ credentialed instructors, offer professional learning and ensure equitable access. Families should ask school leaders about funding, fees, and participation for students with special needs. State and county resources, models and teacher training may be available to help expand offerings (CDE program page; list of awardees).
Sources and further reading
- California Department of Education news release: 19 awardees named (March 23, 2026)
- List of Exemplary Arts Education Awardees
- Advocacy report on the 19 awardees
- Los Angeles County Office of Education release on winners (March 24, 2026)
- California Department of Education page on award criteria and program details
The awarded schools will be honored at the California School Recognition Program Ceremony in Anaheim on April 24, 2026, and their practices may serve as models for districts across California and beyond (CDE news release).
