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This year’s list of 408 California Distinguished Schools includes one right here in Mountain View – Graham Middle School – plus another two in Los Altos.
The California Department of Education picks campuses with “exemplary student outcomes” to be given the “distinguished school” title, according to a recent state press release. They then hold the title for two years, since middle and high schools are selected in alternating years with elementary schools.
“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,” State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond said in the March 10 press release.
In addition to Graham in Mountain View, Blach Intermediate School and Egan Junior High School, both part of the Los Altos School District, were also honored.
This year’s distinguished schools program selected institutions based on data from the 2025 California School Dashboard, which includes math and English standardized test scores, suspension rates, chronic absenteeism rates and demographic information.
Schools have historically been recognized in one of two categories, either based on high overall student performance or success in closing gaps in achievement for two or more student groups. This year, the program added another category, awarding schools from rural or low-income areas that demonstrated notable student achievement.
Graham, a part of the Mountain View Whisman School District, was awarded in the high achievers category, according to California Department of Education spokesperson Scott Roark.
“It is an honor and a wonderful recognition of the hard work of our students, staff and families,” Mountain View Whisman Superintendent Jeff Baier said in an email. “This is an affirmation of the thoughtful work that continues to build our classrooms every day. We look forward to continuing this progress and the strong culture of learning.”
Both of the junior high schools from the Los Altos School District, Blach and Egan, were recognized for closing the achievement gap, Roark told the Voice.
“We’re incredibly proud of our junior high students, educators and school leaders for earning this recognition,” LASD Superintendent Sandra McGonagle wrote in an email to the Voice. “The California Distinguished Schools Award reflects a shared commitment across our schools and parent community in creating an outstanding experience for every LASD student.”
A full list of the schools, including 19 others in Santa Clara County, that earned the award can be found on the California Department of Education website.
