2 Stanislaus County schools recognized on ‘prestigious’ state list. Which ones?
Two Stanislaus County schools have earned spots on the 2026 California Distinguished Schools.
The program honors schools that stand out for exceptional student outcomes, according to a March 10 news release from the California Department of Education.
Out of thousands of schools across the Golden State, only 408 middle and high schools were selected for this “prestigious” list, the state department said.
Since the program started in 1985, the California Distinguished Schools Award has been one of the “state’s most important ways to celebrate” schools and staff for their creativity, hard work and success in helping students succeed.
“It is my pleasure to honor and recognize these 408 schools for their efforts to move the needle for student achievement, no matter what,” State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond said in the release.
Which Stanislaus County schools made the list?
Here’s what you need to know:
Which Stanislaus County schools made distinguished list?
Hickman Middle School, 13306 Fourth St. in Hickman, and Orestimba High School, 707 Hardin Road in Newman, were the only Stanislaus County schools honored as California Distinguished Schools in 2026.
“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,” Thurmond said. “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.”
The California Distinguished Schools Program highlights schools that excel in one of three categories:
- Exemplary High Achievers — Schools that have made big improvements for students who have historically faced disadvantages.
- Achievement Gap Closers — Schools where students do very well overall, and the school environment is strong and supportive.
- Beacons of Opportunity — Schools in rural areas or Title I communities that stand out for achieving excellent results across multiple areas.
In years when middle and high schools are eligible for Distinguished Schools honors, the California Department of Education said, it also looks at graduation rates and how well students are prepared for college or careers.
In 2026, middle and high schools were eligible for the California Distinguished Schools list, which alternates each year between grade levels.
Middle and high schools will be next recognized in 2028.
Why did Orestimba High School make the list?
Orestimba High School was recognized under the “Beacons of Opportunity” category.
The school said its mission is “to provide a safe environment where everyone is valued and accepted.”
“Students are empowered to face current and future challenges to develop social awareness, civic responsibility and personal growth,” school officials said.
The high school seeks to prepare students by teaching them critical thinking skills.
“Students will learn to be successful today and prepared for tomorrow,” Orestimba High officials said.
What makes Hickman Middle School a distinguished school?
State educators did not indicate under which category Hickman Middle School was recognized.
Hickman Middle School is known as a high-performing, small community school, “where strong relationships with faculty lead to exceptional learning in our classrooms and beyond.”
“Our teachers care deeply for their students,” school officials said. “We teach our students to utilize their passions, and to develop growth mindsets that will allow them to be thoughtful contributors to society able to connect with the world around them.”
In 2025, Hickman Elementary School was also recognized, alongside Sonoma Elementary School in Modesto and Fair Oaks Elementary School in Oakdale.
Elementary schools will be honored again in 2027.
How were California Distinguished Schools selected?
The 2026 California Distinguished Schools were selected using data from the 2025 California School Dashboard, which tracks how well public schools are doing.
Schools don’t need to apply, the California Department of Educations said, because data is automatically reviewed in alternating years.
This story was originally published March 23, 2026 at 5:00 AM.
