California Distinguished School Awards

Honors some of California's most exemplary and inspiring public schools. Schools selected for the Distinguished School Award demonstrate significant gains in narrowing the achievement gap.

2024 California Distinguished Schools: Thomas Russell Middle School
2023 California Distinguished Schools: Mattos, Curtner, Pomeroy, Sinnott Elementary Schools
2021 California Distinguished Schools: Rancho Milpitas Middle School
2020 California Distinguished Schools: Rose and Curtner Elementary Schools
2014 California Distinguished Schools: Sinnott Elementary School
2013 California Distinguished Schools: Rancho Milpitas Middle School and Milpitas High School
2012 California Distinguished Schools: Burnett, Spangler and Weller Elementary Schools
2010 California Distinguished Schools: Curtner and Sinnott Elementary Schools
2006 California Distinguished Schools: Burnett Elementary School
2005 California Distinguished Schools: Rancho Milpitas and Thomas Russell Middle Schools
2004 California Distinguished Schools: Spangler and Zanker Elementary Schools
2000 California Distinguished Schools: Weller Elementary School
1999 California Distinguished Schools: Thomas Russell Middle School
1994 California Distinguished Schools: Thomas Russell Middle School
1989 California Distinguished Schools: Weller Elementary School

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U.S. News & World Report Best High Schools List

The U.S. News Best High Schools rankings include data on nearly 25,000 public high schools in 50 states and the District of Columbia. Nearly 18,000 schools were ranked on six factors based on their performance on state assessments and how well they prepare students for college.

2024 US News and World Report Best High Schools in Nation: Milpitas High School
2023 US News and World Report Best High Schools in Nation: Milpitas High School
2022 US News and World Report Best High Schools in Nation: Milpitas High School
2021 US News and World Report Best High Schools in Nation: Milpitas High School
2020 US News and World Report Best High Schools in Nation: Milpitas High School

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California Model Continuation School Awards

Honors outstanding continuation high schools for their comprehensive programs and provides a list of model continuation high schools for school visitations.

2024 California Model Continuation High School: Calaveras Hills High School
2019 California Model Continuation High School: Calaveras Hills High School

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California League of Educators Middle Schools to Watch

A statewide program implemented by the California League of Educators, CA Department of Education, CA Middle Grades Alliance, National Forum to Accelerate Middle-Grades Reform, and the CA Schools to Watch model schools.

2022 California League of Schools Middle Schools to Watch: Rancho Milpitas Middle School
​(Rancho is a 6-time re-designation winner beginning in 2008)

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Additional Awards, Honors & Recognitions

• 2023 Educational Results Partnership (ERP) and the Campaign for Business and Education Excellence (CBEE) Honor Roll District: Milpitas Unified School District
• 2023 Association of California School Administrators (ACSA) State Superintendent of Year: Cheryl Jordan
• 2023 Hoffman Award: Milpitas Middle College High School
• 2022 California Pivotal Practice Award: MUSD EducatEverywhere
• 2020 California School Boards Association (CSBA) State Board Member of the Year: Chris Norwood
• 2019 Golden Bell Award: MUSD Love4Literacy Program
• 2019 Educational Results Partnership (ERP) and the Campaign for Business and Education Excellence (CBEE) Honor Roll District: Milpitas Unified School District
• 2013 California Exemplary Program: Rancho Milpitas Middle School
• 2013 California Exemplary Physical Activity and Nutrition Education Program: Rancho Milpitas Middle School​

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