Sunnyvale Middle School was one of just 408 middle and high schools across California to receive the prestigious 2026 California Distinguished Schools Program award.
“This honor reflects our educators’ and staff’s collective commitment to meet students where they are and provide the support they need to succeed,” said Sunnyvale Middle School Principal Vince Iwasaki. “We are proud to have a learning environment where all students feel valued, challenged, and supported to reach their full potential. I’m grateful to our dedicated team of educators who show up each day with passion and purpose for our students.”
California schools were recognized in three different categories:
- Exemplary High Achievers for schools that have the highest academic achievement for all students and ensure that underserved student groups maintain or increase academic progress.
- Achievement Gap Closers for schools that accelerate academic progress for two or more groups that have historically been underserved, while also demonstrating achievement for all students above the state median or maintaining or increasing academic performance for all students.
- Beacons of Opportunity for schools in rural or Title I school communities that distinguish themselves through multiple student outcomes at very high-performance levels.
Sunnyvale Middle School received its honor in the Achievement Gap Closers category.
“Recognition like this reflects the dedication of the educators and staff at Sunnyvale Middle School who work every day to support their students and help them grow,” said Sunnyvale School District Superintendent Gudiel R. Crosthwaite, Ph.D. “Being named an Achievement Gap Closer highlights the progress the school community is making and the commitment to ensuring that every student has the opportunity to succeed. I congratulate the entire Sunnyvale Middle School community on this well-deserved honor.
“Sunnyvale Middle School shows what is possible when schools focus on equity and high expectations for all students,” continued Crosthwaite. “This recognition as an Achievement Gap Closer reflects our teachers’ and staff’s dedication to expanding opportunities and accelerating success for every learner. I congratulate the entire Sunnyvale Middle School community on this well-deserved honor.”
Fremont High School in Sunnyvale, as well as John F. Kennedy Middle School and Sam H. Lawson Middle School in the Cupertino Union School District also received 2026 California Distinguished Schools Honors.
The schools will be recognized at the Disneyland Hotel in Anaheim on April 24, 2026.
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