19 California schools earn Exemplary Arts Education Award; local leaders weigh lessons for Redding classrooms
Nineteen California schools were named recipients of the California Exemplary Arts Education Award on March 23, 2026, honoring equitable, high‑quality arts instruction and sustained investment in in‑school arts programs, statewide State Superintendent Tony Thurmond announced.
- Statewide recognition: 19 schools earned the California Exemplary Arts Education Award for strong arts curricula, professional learning, and equitable access — see the California Department of Education news release.
- Program requirements: Awardees must offer instruction in at least three arts disciplines and document access for English learners and special education students — see eligibility and awardee details.
- Ceremony and concentration: Winners will be honored April 24, 2026, in Anaheim; nine awardees are in Los Angeles County — see the announcement summary and the Los Angeles County Office of Education release.
- Local implications: The announcement raises questions about funding models, equity, and community partnerships that Redding and other districts could study and emulate.
What the award recognizes and why it matters
The California Exemplary Arts Education Award highlights schools that move beyond token arts offerings. To qualify, schools must demonstrate:
- High-quality arts curriculum delivered during the regular school day (not only after-school).
- Ongoing professional learning for teachers and staff.
- Culturally responsive instruction and equitable access for English learners, special education students, and other special populations.
The program emphasizes sustained investment and measurable access; for official details see the California Department of Education news release and the awardee page.
State reaction
“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 made the list
The 2026 awardees span elementary, middle and high schools across urban, suburban and rural settings. The full list as posted by the state includes:
- 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 (ICEF)
- 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
Contact and leadership details for several awardees (principals, superintendents) appear on the state’s awardee page; see the awardee list and contacts.
Los Angeles County concentration and local details
Nine awardees are in Los Angeles County: Claremont High, Crescenta Valley High, Mark Keppel Elementary, Prairie Vista Middle, ICEF View Park Preparatory, Maywood Center for Enriched Studies, Mira Costa High, Gabrielino High and Jefferson Middle. The Los Angeles County Office of Education noted the regional strength and highlighted Crescenta Valley’s past achievements, including its 2024 Los Angeles County Poetry Out Loud championship — see the LACOE release.
Investigative angle: funding, access and community support
What the public release does not fully show: while awardees must document adequate resources, the state summary does not list exact funding levels or funding sources for each school. That gap invites local reporting and community inquiry into:
- How much programming rests on district budgets vs. local fundraising and booster clubs.
- How Title I campuses sustain arts offerings without affluent booster support.
- Which awardees rely on partnerships with arts organizations, colleges, or donors.
The award’s inclusion of both Title I and well‑funded suburban schools suggests multiple pathways to success; however, the state materials list outcomes and practices rather than line‑by‑line financing. For context, see the announcement summary and the department news release.
Context from prior years
The program has historically recognized schools that integrate arts into the school day. Past winners include Crescenta Valley High (previously recognized in 2019), El Segundo High, and Renaissance Arts Academy. The program’s evolution and historical list are on the state site: Historical award information.
Implications for Redding, California
Economic impact: Arts programs create jobs and local spending and can support theaters, venues and hospitality when events draw visitors — a potential boost for Redding’s downtown and small businesses.
Political consequences: The awards offer a model for local control and targeted spending appeals to fiscally conservative voters: show measurable benefits (student engagement, workforce skills, reduced risky behavior) rather than broad mandates.
Social and cultural effects: Arts education supplies constructive alternatives for youth, builds teamwork and communication skills, and — when culturally responsive — can deepen ties to local heritage and community organizations in Redding.
Practical applications for Redding schools and leaders
- Audit local offerings: Do Redding schools provide at least three arts disciplines during the regular school day? If not, identify gaps and cost‑effective startup strategies (program rules and awardee details).
- Leverage partnerships: Local arts groups, colleges and businesses can supply instructors, venues and funding with limited impact on general budgets.
- Prioritize professional learning: Targeted workshops across the district can raise instructional quality without major capital investments.
- Emphasize equity: Ensure English learners and special education students have access — a core criterion for the award.
- Use recognition strategically: Award applications and showcases can help secure grants, philanthropic gifts, or bond support by demonstrating measurable student and community benefits.
Sources and further reading
- California Department of Education news release: “These 19 schools recognized for their top arts programs”
- California Exemplary Arts Education Awardees and program details
- Education-focused coverage and announcement summary
- Los Angeles County Office of Education: regional winners and local details
- Historical award information
