GLENDALE, CA, March 10, 2026 —  State Superintendent of Public Instruction, Tony Thurmond, has announced that 408 California middle and high schools have been selected for the 2026 California Distinguished Schools program, including three Glendale Unified School District schools: Anderson W. Clark Magnet High School, Eleanor J. Toll Middle School, and Woodrow Wilson Middle School. 

Since its inception in 1985, the California Distinguished Schools Award has remained one of the state’s most important ways to celebrate exceptional schools, districts, teachers, and classified employees for their innovation, talent, and success in supporting students. The award recognizes schools with outstanding academic achievement that also demonstrate strong progress for historically underserved student groups. Schools may also be honored for accelerating outcomes for multiple underserved groups while maintaining high performance for all students. This year, the program added a new “Beacons of Opportunity” category recognizing high-performing schools in rural and low-income communities.

“It is my pleasure to honor and recognize these 408 schools for their efforts to move the needle for student achievement, no matter what,” Superintendent Thurmond said. “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. This year’s California Distinguished Schools represent the hard work of our middle and high school educators and school staff, who provide our secondary students with life-changing educational opportunities.”

Each of the three Glendale Unified schools recognized this year has previously earned the California Distinguished School honor, underscoring their sustained commitment to strong instructional programs and positive student outcomes.

Clark Magnet High School is widely known for its nationally recognized science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM) pathways, while Toll Middle School and Wilson Middle School are celebrated for their rigorous academic programs and supportive environments that help students thrive both academically and socially.

Statewide, the California Distinguished Schools Program celebrates campuses that demonstrate innovation, strong student achievement, and equitable opportunities for all learners. Schools that receive the designation retain the title for two years and serve as models of excellence across the state.

Glendale Unified School District congratulates the students, teachers, administrators, and families of Clark Magnet, Toll Middle School, and Wilson Middle School for this outstanding achievement and their continued commitment to educational excellence.

For additional information, or to view the full list of the 408 California schools that received the award, please view the California Department of Education press release. 

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