University Preparatory School in Victorville was among 20 school sites across San Bernardino County to have been named 2026 California Distinguished Schools.
Associated with the Victor Valley Union High School District, University Prep received the state’s highest honors for public schools, according to the California Department of Education.
The annual recognition program selects campuses that have demonstrated exceptional student achievement, made significant progress in closing the achievement gap, or created supportive learning environments that expand opportunities for students.
“Being named a California Distinguished School is a meaningful recognition of the work taking place in classrooms across our county,” San Bernardino County Superintendent Ted Alejandre said. “Behind this honor are educators, administrators and staff who show up every day focused on helping students learn, grow and reach their goals. Their efforts create opportunities for students to succeed in school and beyond, and we are incredibly proud to see their work recognized at the state level.”
California Distinguished Schools are recognized in three categories, including:
Other San Bernardino County schools recognized as 2026 California Distinguished Schools include:
In total, California Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond announced 408 middle schools and high schools were selected for the prestigious school recognition program.
The 2026 California Distinguished Schools will be honored alongside National Blue Ribbon and Green Ribbon Schools during an awards ceremony on April 24, at the Disneyland Hotel in Anaheim.
Daily Press reporter Rene Ray De La Cruz may be reached at RDeLaCruz@VVDailyPress.com. Follow him on X @DP_ReneDeLaCruz.
This article originally appeared on Victorville Daily Press: University Prep in Victorville named California Distinguished School
Reporting by Rene Ray De La Cruz, Victorville Daily Press / Victorville Daily Press
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
