Desert Sands USD Campus Named To 'California Distinguished Schools Program'

SACRAMENTO — California's most "Distinguished Schools" were announced Tuesday, and one Desert Sands Unified School District campus is on the list.

The California Distinguished Schools Program recognizes exceptional schools that demonstrate exemplary student outcomes. La Quinta High School was named to the program for 2026, along with 407 other middle and high schools across California.

In total, 15 Riverside County middle and high schools were selected this year (see list below).

State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond said all the campuses selected for the program worked to "move the needle for student achievement, no matter what."

He continued, "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. 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 was launched in 1983, and it remains one of the state’s most important ways to celebrate exceptional schools, districts, teachers, and classified employees for their innovation, talent, and success in supporting students.

California has the largest public school system in the United States.

The 2026 California Distinguished Schools, along with 2025 California Blue Ribbon Schools, 2026 Green Achievers, 2026 Exemplary Dual Enrollment Award Schools, and 2025 Civic Learning Awards of Excellence, will be recognized at the Disneyland Hotel in Anaheim on April 24.

See the list below of all 15 Riverside County middle and high schools selected as 2026 California Distinguished Schools: