Magnolia Public Schools Receives Prestigious 2026 California Distinguished School Recognition

Magnolia Public Schools (MPS) joined schools from throughout the state at a Disneyland Hotel Resort gathering last Friday for a special 2026 California School Recognition Program hosted by the California Department of Education. During the event, four Magnolia schools were honored with the California Distinguished School award. This recognition is one of the highest honors bestowed on public schools by the State of California.

“The award is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our educators, administrators, community coordinators, students and their families,” said Alfredo Rubalcava, chief executive officer and superintendent at Magnolia Public Schools. “We believe that every child has the potential to succeed if provided opportunities and support. Our schools consistently demonstrate that zip code does not define student potential or academic success. When given opportunities and support, all children will thrive,” said Rubalcava.

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MPS is a network of high-performing charter public schools, primarily serving underserved communities in Southern California. Each year, many of its schools rank among the top schools regionally and at the state level. This year, Magnolia Science Academy-5 Los Lobos in Reseda, a California Distinguished School, was one of 408 middle and high schools recognized by the California Department of Education for exemplary student outcomes and strong instructional programs. Serving students in grades 6-12, MSA-5 continues to build a strong college-preparatory learning environment supported by small class sizes, high family satisfaction, and a 100% graduation rate.

“This recognition is a celebration of our entire MSA-5 community,” said Ali Kaplan, principal at MSA-5 Los Lobos. It reflects the hard work of our students, the dedication of our teachers and staff, and the partnership of our families. We are proud to be recognized for our commitment to academic excellence and student success as we relocate to our new campus in Winnetka for Fall 2026,” added Kaplan.

The California Distinguished Schools program awards schools that show exceptional student performance and academic growth, as well as efforts toward closing the achievement gap. This year, four Magnolia schools were recognized including:

• Magnolia Science Academy - 4, 6-12 grade
• Magnolia Science Academy - 5; 6-12 grade
• Magnolia Science Academy - 6; 6-8 grade

Magnolia Science Academy - San Diego; 6-8 grade (California Blue Ribbon School)

Magnolia Public Schools offers a STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics)-focused education rooted in academic excellence and college readiness. High school students access academic pathways offering college credits prior to graduation, as one of many ways that students advance higher education goals. According to Magnolia’s 2024-25 Annual Report, approximately 93% of the Class of 2025 were accepted to two or four-year colleges.

In 2024, Magnolia Public Schools was awarded the Hart Vision Equity and Innovation Award by the California Charter Schools Association. Each year, many of its schools rank among the top schools regionally and at the state level. Together, dedicated staff are building a pipeline to STEAM fields and helping students achieve higher education goals.

Magnolia Public Schools (MPS) are tuition-free charter schools with campuses throughout Southern California focused on Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math (STEAM)-based teaching to ensure students are well-rounded and college-ready. MPS offers smaller class sizes, individualized attention from teachers, as well as safe campuses that foster ideal learning conditions for students.

To learn more about Magnolia Public Schools you can visit the website at https://www.magnoliapublicschools.org/ and follow MPS on social media: Instagram @magnoliapublicschools, X @magnoliaschools, and Facebook @magnoliapublicschools.